Hanover College Parents' Day
Parents' Day November 14, 2009
Parents, families and friends are invited to spend a fun-filled day on campus for 'Parents Day' on November 14. "Kaleidoscope Day", "Legacy Day" and the annual Victory Bell Rivalry game against Franklin will also be happening. Don't miss this opportunity to visit with faculty from all disciplines, hear a student present on his 450 mile trek through Northern Spain this past summer, explore the River Institute Traaveling Exhibit or venture to the 'Promised Land'! Next, enjoy lunch with President Sue DeWine and hear what exciting things are happening around campus before heading out to the football game. It's a day you don't want to miss. Register here before October 30th!
You should have received the 2009 Parents' Day brochure that recently mailed out to parents of current students. If you did not receive a brochure, please contact Alumni and Parent Relations at 812-866-7012, we may need to update your record in our database!
Parents' Day - Meet the Faculty! 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Lynn Hall
Uschi Appelt-Study Abroad
Dominique Battles-English
Nick Baechle-Classical Studies
Ken Bevis - Geology
Jim Crone-Sociology
LaVerne Dalka-French
Skip Dine-Young-Psychology
Celia Dollmeyer-Modern Languages
Agust Eiriksson-Economics
Steve Ellis - Business Scholars Program
Mark Fearnow-Theatre
Stephanie Funk-Sociology
Ken Gibson - Library
Debbie Hanson-Education
Krista Hughes-Theological Studies
Kate Johnson-Philosophy
Daryl Karns -Biology
Ann Kirkland-French
Bill Kubik-Political Science
David Mruzek-Music
Leonidas Pantelidis - Physics
Craig Philipp-Chemistry
Miriam Pittenger-Classical Studies
Karen Porter-Anthropology
Nancy Rodgers-Mathematics
Keith Roberts-Sociology
Bob Rosenthal-Philosophy
Darrin Rubino-Biology
Nasrin Shahinpoor-Economics
Aimin Shen-Philosophy
Jim Stark-Theatre
Steve Steiner-Chemistry
Kay Stokes-English
Susanne Taylor-German
Larry Thornton-History
Barbara Wahl-Math & Computer Science
Kay Williams-Education
Mi Yung Yoon-International Studies
Fernanda Zullo-Spanish
Updated 10-27-09
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November 1, 2008
Parents' Day worth the trip
By Courtney Hess '09
The city of Accra, Ghana is a bustling West African metropolis. Traffic is usually bumper-to-bumper and one can expect to find pedestrians and bicyclists weaving in and out of the stationary cars. The sidewalks are awash with colors as vendors sell their wares raging from fruits and vegetables to CDs from the most popular artists. Coming from Accra to the quiet academic haven of Hanover is like stepping into a different world.
For Samuel and Elizabeth Thompson, parents of Nana Abeeku Thompson '12, the 5,700 miles and the cultural differences were worth the trip. The Thompsons made the long journey from West Africa to visit their son and participate in the Parents' Day activities, held Nov. 1. Joining them were at least 450 pre-registered participants in a full day of activities.
The goal of Parents' Day, explained Betsie Chilton, executive director of the Parents Association, "is to offer parents the opportunity to come to Hanover's campus to interact with faculty and staff in a variety of ways, while showcasing Hanover and its students."
The Thompson's first impressions of Hanover were positive. "It is a beautiful campus," said Elizabeth. "It's like being in a forest; very serene."
During their stay, the Thompsons were able to sit in on one of Abeeku's classes and experience the classroom atmosphere. "We were very happy to see the close interaction with professors," said Samuel.
The small student to faculty ratio was one of the factors that first caught the attention of Abeeku and his parents to Hanover. The rural setting of the school as well as the attractive financial aid packages offered to international students also helped them make their choice.
One might expect that the cultural differences between a small, southern Indiana college town and a West African metropolis would prove challenging for a student, but for Abeeku it has been a learning experience. "The culture shock I have experienced here has been very intriguing and interesting as I have been able to interact with different people from all walks of life," said Abeeku Thompson.
Another factor that has eased Abeeku's transition is that he is not the only Ghanaian studying at Hanover. Currently, five Ghanaians attend Hanover including two other first year students. "I was a little surprised to find other Ghanaians here in the Midwest," he said. "Now I do not feel too alone anymore!"
While Abeeku continues to embrace his surroundings in southern Indiana, his parents are glad to see he has enjoyed his experience thus far. They believe he made the right choice in coming to Hanover.
Senior Courtney Hess is a political science major from Carmel, Ind. She served as an intern with AllAfrica.com, a leading source of African news, in their offices in Washington, D.C., and Monrovia, Liberia. She intends to pursue a master's degree in conflict resolution and peace studies.
