Meet A Parent
Parents Randy and Jan Siepler, Co-Presidents HC Parents' Association 2007-2008
Students' Names and Hanover Graduation Year:
Jenny Siepler '06
Dan Siepler '08
Sarah Siepler '11
When and how did you and your children first hear about Hanover College?
Our family first learned of Hanover College in 2001, when Jenny was beginning her college search. We learned of it from my employer (Jan's employer), whose youngest son graduated from Hanover College, and highly recommended our considering Hanover.
Why did your children decide to attend HC?
Our children have grown to appreciate and enjoy a small, caring and attentive school environment. They wanted to continue in a college that offered a personal attention, and where relationships could be built not only with students, but with their professors and college staff. They also love the physical environment that HC has to offer, both in the college facilities and campus. They all have felt and feel that HC is a very comfortable living and learning environment. They feel secure.
Hanover College is often described as a "community" or even a "family." Do you agree? If you do, what makes it so?
It most definitely is a "community" and a "family". There is a true sense of caring between the people of HC, including students, faculty and staff. Because of Hanover's small student body, they really get to know one another, and take care of each other.
How "safe" do you consider the Hanover College campus?
We feel HC is very safe. We as parents find great comfort and security with our children at Hanover College. Our children have always felt very safe there. Campus security is excellent, and going back to the feeling of "community", the students also watch out for each other.
As parents that have had more than one child attend HC, describe why this has been the right decision for your family.
It is truly a blessing that all three of our children have chosen Hanover College. Hanover College has been the right fit for our family, and continues the values and ethics we have set forth for our children. They feel very comfortable at HC, and therefore, it is a perfect place for them to live and learn.
Did your children study off campus during their time at Hanover? If so, where and describe the experience they had.
Our children have not yet studied off campus. Jenny was a very committed Resident Assistant and Student Ambassador, and made the choice to remain on campus to fulfill those duties. She did, however, go on a trip to Washington D.C. with one of her Sociology classes, and really enjoyed that. Dan would have liked to study abroad, but has a demanding schedule that he has felt more secure maintaining on the HC campus. Sarah definitely plans to study abroad as an art major.
How has Hanover College changed since your first child was a student on campus? Please give examples.
Our first student, Jenny, was part of a large class enrollment, approximately 1,100 students, at HC. Our second student, Dan, and third student, Sarah, are part of smaller incoming classes. Freshman Orientation methods have changed, to include the August Experience, which we feel is very helpful. Building renovations have taken place and continue. The Underground was remodeled and The Shoebox was constructed. Several new majors have been added to the curriculum, including Exercise Science. Phi Delta Gamma (FIJI) Fraternity has re-established their brotherhood on HC campus. Hanover College license plates are now available in Indiana. President Russell Nichols has retired and President Sue DeWine is our newly-elected President. There is so much more...
Describe a typical visit with your child on campus, what do you do?
We would arrive mid-morning and visit with them at their resident hall or fraternity house, meeting many of their friends while there. We then like to go into Madison and enjoy the historic sites and the river front. We always enjoy a delicious lunch while in Madison. We then usually get a coffee and go back to HC and enjoy walking on campus. They usually have something new they want us to see or do.
Are there ways for parents to be involved at Hanover College?
Yes, yes, yes! We are proof of that! At Hanover College, we have a very active Parents' Association. The Parents' Association has three (3) official meetings each year, but we enthusiastically volunteer to participate in many other activities throughout the year. This is a wonderful group of parents and a great opportunity to have a first-hand connection at Hanover College. Together with Hanover staff and faculty, we are able to share and discuss the concerns and suggestions that our families have. It is a wonderful opportunity to become involved. Some other ways for parents to be involved is also social events, such as sports, theater, musical events, and many other possibilities which are listed on the Hanover website.
Please describe the development of your children as they advanced through their education at HC.
This is a big question that we could have a very involved answer for. However, let us say simply this. We have watched our children grow into wonderful, mature, productive adults. They come home being more confident and self-sufficient. They have great direction in their lives and a determination to reach their goals and be the people they want to be. Their horizons are wide open. They are well-educated and well-rounded in life, and ready for what lies ahead. We are extremely proud of them.
What do you consider to be the number one benefit of a Liberal Arts education?
The number one benefit of a Liberal Arts education is that it prepares our young adults for life. They are prepared with a vast variety of knowledge. Graduates are not locked in to any one field of profession, as they have a very well-balanced background.
Do you believe your child will be prepared to face today's job market upon graduation?
Absolutely yes, we do feel our children will be prepared to face today's job market. Hanover College has provided them an exceptional education, with many learning opportunities in and out of class. The College also offers career counseling and preparation throughout the child's college experience.
Please share a memorable experience you have had with faculty and/or staff at HC.
There have been so many memorable experiences!! We walk onto campus and are warmly greeted every time!! We feel so special!! The warmth and friendliness we encounter is beyond compare. Each time we volunteer for an event, we truly have such a good time. One very memorable experience was graduation day for our daughter, Jenny. It was such a lovely event, and visiting with her professors, who had gotten to know her very well, was a very special and memorable time.
What would you say to other parents who have a child considering attending Hanover College?
I would say to parents who have a child considering attending Hanover College that it has been a wonderful experience for our family. For us, Hanover College was and is the right fit, and that is the most important factor... "the fit". I would encourage them not to underestimate the College itself because it is small or because of its somewhat remote location. These factors only enhance and enable Hanover College to be what it is; a wonderful and beautiful place to obtain an excellent education. The professor to student ratio is so important. The professors truly have a vested interest in these students. Hanover College provides a caring and safe living environment and the best possible college education.
Meet Joe and Nancy Kimmel from Paoli, Indiana