Santa Clara University

Orientation - 2009 Orientation Central Staff

Orientation Program

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Jennifer Weller

Coordinator of New Student Programs

Jennifer Weller joined the staff of Santa Clara University in 2001 as a Resident Director in the Office of Residence Life. In July of 2007, she transitioned into her new role as Coordinator of New Student Programs. Originally from Southern California, Jennifer graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a double major in Dance and Social Psychology and then spent a year in New York City receiving her Masters Degree in Student Personnel Administration from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. 

Jennifer is responsible for the overall development, planning, and management of the programs and services supported by the Office of New Student Programs. If you would like to reach Jennifer, you may e-mail her at jmweller@scu.edu.

 

 

 
 

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Edo Metovic '11

Senior Orientation Leader

1) Hometown: San Jose, CA
2) Class of: 2011

3) Major(s): Business, Music


4) What has been your favorite class at SCU and why?
I would have to say my music theory/aural skills class has been my favorite at SCU because of my love for music. Learning more about the fundamentals and theory behind the art of music has allowed me to appreciate it so much more. The class size was small so I got to know everybody very well and it allowed for an experience I have never had before.

5) What is your favorite activity to do as SCU? My favorite activity to do at SCU would have to be Intramural Flag Football. I’ve been playing every fall and spring quarter and it is a lot of fun.

6) What advice would you give to the Class of 2013? Get involved; whether it is in clubs on campus, or your RLC, or anything else that might interest you, make sure to get involved. Put yourself out there and meet people. Your experience will be what you make it.

7) Why do you love SCU? I love SCU because of the sense of community and the atmosphere. I feel welcome, and I actually enjoy waking up every morning to come here. I’ve never been able to say that about school. I love being able to walk across campus and say hello to a handful of familiar faces every day.

 

 

 
 

Liza

Liza Stillman '11

Senior Orientation Leader

1) Hometown: Mercer Island
2) Class of: 2011
3) Major(s): Communications

4) What has been your favorite class at SCU and why?

English 121 – Studies in American Film – Film Noir with Professor Ron Hansen. I kind of fell into this class by accident but ended up learning a lot about film and the ways that earlier film movements have affected modern cinema. It also inspired me to minor in the subject. And, Professor Hansen is a really great teacher and knows literally everything about film.

5) What is your favorite activity to do as SCU?

I love going to the events in the Bronco. Whether it is open mic night, a Club Bronco student dance or an improv show put on by student groups, it is a great place to meet new people and find out what is happening on campus. Plus, it is the place to get food after Market Square closes.

6) What advice would you give to the Class of 2013?

When you get to school, sign up for everything! Try everything once and then find a few things that you are really passionate about and get involved with them. There is no better way to meet people and to grow as an individual than to fully immerse yourself in Santa Clara life.

7) Why do you love SCU?

I love SCU because it feels like a second home. Everyone here genuinely cares about each other and displays that every day by just being friendly. As a student body, we are very driven but we also know how to relax and enjoy the wonderful California weather.


 

 

 
 

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Cassie Camilleri '10

Central Staff

1)  Hometown: Mountain View, CA
2)  Class of: 2010
3)  Major(s): Civil Engineering

4) What has been your favorite class at SCU and why?
Philosophy 5- Ethics in Society with Professor Buckley. This class encourages a deep introspective of our moral standing through discussion of hot button issues such as abortion, animal rights, and what the rich owe the poor. We are encouraged to question our beliefs and practice what we preach.

5) What is your favorite activity to do at SCU?
I enjoy lying out in the gorgeous California sun, having group study sessions in the fabulous library, and taking late- night trips to the Bronco for their delicious mozzarella sticks!

6) What advice would you give to the Class of 2013?
Challenge yourself to think outside of the norm. Be open and willing to meeting many new and different people. Learn to love yourself exactly the way you are!

7) Why do you love SCU?
SCU has truly given me a home away from home. From the teachers who are always available and willing to help, to the live in resident ministers, Santa Clara fosters every part of your development. It is a community based on helping each other.

 

 

 
 

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Amanda Arthur '11

Central Staff

1)  Hometown: Pleasanton, CA
2)  Class of: 2011
3)  Major(s): History and Political Science

4) What has been your favorite class at SCU and why?
Professor Andrews’ History 11: Ancient Western Civilization. It fascinates me to learn how we evolved from simple nomadic tribes into complex societies that shape how we live our lives today. You wonder how it all began, where it all came from, and this class answers it for you! Not only am I a total history buff but Professor Andrews is one of the brightest and most enthusiastic teachers I have ever encountered. Her love for teaching is clear in all of her lectures, a true statement for most of the professors here at SCU.

5) What is your favorite activity to do at SCU?
Hanging out, playing sports, listening to music, and being goofy in the quad with my friends during a hot summer (or spring, or winter, or fall) day, all of course in my bathing-suit! Running around campus or the Santa Clara area on a beautiful day is also a favorite.

6) What advice would you give to the Class of 2013?
It’s natural to be nervous or scared in the beginning, but all you can do is be yourself and people will naturally flock to you. While you have fun and live up the experience make sure you stay on top of your schoolwork; the quarter system moves fast and can be killer! Most of all though, be ridiculously excited because these next four years are going to be the best time of your life.

7) Why do you love SCU?
I love the active and energetic atmosphere on campus; everyone is in such great shape! The gym is always filled, people are running outside, exercise classes at the Fitness Center are a blast, and there are tons of intramural or club sports to get involved in if you’re not already a competitive varsity athlete.

I also love the RLC system here. It’s a great way to get to know the community you are living with, great if you ever have questions or concerns with your homework, and a great way to meet people and make friends. The rivalry between the RLCs is always fun too!

 

 

 
 

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Tricia Bryant '11

Central Staff

1)  Hometown: Dallas, TX
2)  Class of: 2011
3)  Major(s): Marketing

4) What has been your favorite class at SCU and why?
My favorite class at Santa Clara has been SOCI 33 or Social Problems in the US. The teacher was very laid back (Wore jeans, a t-shirt, and a backwards baseball cap everyday) and treated us as adults as opposed to simply students. He engaged the class and presented the material in a way that was neither boring nor difficult to understand. Studying social issues that I never even know existed was so fascinating to me that I am contemplating pursuing a Sociology minor.

5) What is your favorite activity to do as SCU?
My favorite SCU activity is being a member of Associated Students. ASSCU is the student government organization on campus. After being involved in Student Council in high school, I knew I wanted to continue this path in college. ASSCU has really helped me to not only meet an amazing group of student leaders, but also work to make the voices of my peers heard through Senate meetings as well as social events and awareness programming.

6) What advice would you give to the Class of 2013?
Get involved! It’s the best way to meet people as well as keep busy in all the free time that we have. The transition from high school to college can be tricky, but immersing yourself in all of the wonderful programs SCU has to offer will make it much smoother. Also, time management is key to succeeding academically. Since we’re on the quarter system, midterms can pop up as early as week 3, and visiting your professors during office hours can really help reduce the late-night cram sessions we college students are so notorious for engaging in.

7) Why do you love SCU?
I love SCU because it has allowed me to be involved in my community in ways I never thought possible. Being in the Communitas RLC, I have been privileged to go on various community service programs, ranging from cleaning up the San Francisco Zoo to helping 3rd graders with their homework. I was worried that college wouldn’t place the same emphasis on service hours that my high school did, but I was relieved that was not the case. I’ve also made some amazing friendships that I’m confident will last well beyond our graduation day.


 

 

 
 

Heaterh Stephan

Heather Stephan

Operations Manager
Hailing from Angels Camp, CA, Heather Stephan now lives in Fremont, CA and serves as the Operations Manager for Orientation Programs and Drahmann Academic Advising and Learning Resources Center. Heather helps students complete paperwork to declare their majors and minors. She explains how to overload units as an upperclassman and is a source for students to go to for advice. Heather is also an integral part of the Orientation team, lending a hand with service and coordination of many events.

 

 

 
 

Lisa Osteraas

Lisa Osteraas

Office Coordinator/Transcript Analyst
Born and raised in San Jose, Lisa Osteraas received her degree in Mass Communication from UCLA. Lisa previously taught elementary school before coming to work at Santa Clara University, serving as the office manager for the Communication Department for four and a half years. She became the operations coordinator for the Drahmann Advising and Learning Resources Center in Summer 2005. She is responsible for managing their student staff and assisting students with any needs they may have in order to ensure that the office provides the best customer service possible. She also serves as the transcript analyst for the university and evaluates transfer credit for students who complete college level work at other institutions prior to attending SCU.