The good news? No one expects you to find all your friends during orientation.

That’s exactly why Ģ����Ƶ extends the welcome beyond move-in day with Weeks of Welcome (WOW), a series of activities designed to help you gradually settle into campus life, meet new people and discover where you belong.

Why Weeks of Welcome Exist

Orientation gives you the basics to start making The Heights feel like home: where to go, who to meet and how to get started.

Weeks of Welcome gives you something just as important: time.

Rather than expecting students to build friendships in a weekend, WOW offers opportunities throughout your first few weeks on campus to connect with classmates, try new experiences and become part of the Ģ����Ƶ community at your own pace.

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Every day Mark Demarest ’16 is called upon to problem solve, to make compelling arguments and to build relationships. But Demarest’s most critical responsibility is, as he puts it, “to make people’s lives better.” The Ģ����Ƶ graduate works as an assistant staff judge advocate in the United States Air Force, putting his training as an attorney to work in service of his nation. It is work that has brought him to North Dakota and Tennessee nationally and to Cuba, South Korea and Qatar internationally. He has found himself looking up at a dark desert sky while deployed overseas and reflecting that his mission, while extraordinarily different from that of his law school classmates, fills him with meaning and purpose. 

A native of Ithaca, New York, Demarest is part of a three-generation Ģ����Ƶ family that includes his grandfather, Eugene Walker ‘51, and multiple aunts, uncles and cousins. He was drawn to the College as a place where he could “study the human condition and what it means to be alive.” He chose to pursue a dual degree in peace and global studies (now global affairs) and philosophy at the College. Today he appreciates the versatility of the global affairs major in particular. It provided him with a background in politics, economics and culture that serves him extraordinarily well in his current role. He is also grateful for his professors’ focus on understanding your place in the world and using your education to impact society positively. What’s more, these educators and mentors encouraged Demarest and his peers “to engage with the materials and each other” and reminded them how important it is “to push themselves, to know their worth, and to never compromise their principles.”

Following his graduation, Demarest continued his studies at George Washington University Law School. He found that his undergraduate education and the support and mentorship he received from Pre-Law Adviser Jim Snyder were sound preparation for his graduate studies. He continued to challenge himself in and out of the classroom, serving as a student attorney at the university’s International Human Rights Clinic, an intern in the U.S. House of Representatives, and a legal intern at Whitman-Walker Health. Each of these experiences, in concert with his Jesuit education at Ģ����Ƶ, helped to shape his desire to pursue a vocation in public interest law. That led him to join the Air Force in 2020 and to the work he and his colleagues are now doing.

Moving forward, Demarest looks forward to building a career centered on serving others, and to building on the lessons he learned on the Heights.

The post When the Study of Economics, Politics and Culture Meets the Call to Service : Meet Mark Demarest ’16 appeared first on Ģ����Ƶ.

Every great career begins with a story. At Ģ����Ƶ, English and Communication graduates understand the power of language, the value of different perspectives, and the importance of communicating with clarity and purpose. They have built careers in law, publishing, entertainment, higher education, business, and beyond. What connects them is their ability to tell compelling stories, solve complex problems, and shape the world around them.

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When Nicole Flores ’02 reflects on her college experience, one feeling stands out: as a first generation student, she felt detached and admits today she didn’t take advantage of all the opportunities that were available to her.

Today, as Director of Cultural and Social Engagement and First-Gen Student Class Dean at Ģ����Ƶ, she’s made it her mission to ensure no student feels that way again during their time on The Heights. She sat down with The Ģ����Ƶ Way podcast to share the work she’s building on campus. 

Understanding the First-Generation Experience

At Ģ����Ƶ, a first-generation college student is someone whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year degree.

But as Nicole explains, the definition only scratches the surface.

Many first-gen students arrive on campus without the “playbook” others may have:

• How to use office hours
• Where to go for financial help
• How to build relationships with faculty
• How to find the major that’s the best fit
• Why involvement outside the classroom matters

As a result, Nicole sees many students operating in survival mode.

That’s where intentional programming comes in. Nicole has worked to meet students where they are:

• Hosting daytime events for commuter students
• Maintaining cultural spaces like the community lounge
• Hosting alumni networking opportunities
• Providing one-on-one mentorship

By casting a wide net and providing a safe space to meet students where they are, these efforts help students move from simply surviving to truly thriving.

Why Belonging Matters

Belonging isn’t just a “nice to have”: it’s essential for student success.

Nicole reflects on her own experience as a first-gen student:

Now, she helps students identify that “missing piece” and connect students with communities that support them.

Redefining Success in College

Success at Ģ����Ƶ isn’t just about grades.

Nicole emphasizes the importance of being “coachable”, a skill that extends far beyond the classroom.

Programs like Next Waves help students prepare for life after college by helping students build:

• Communication skills
• Professional confidence
• Awareness of workplace dynamics
• Strategies for navigating challenges
• Navigating unknowns of the work world

The Role of Community and Alumni

Support doesn’t stop at the edge of campus. Nicole works to create relationships with alumni who are eager to make a difference in students’ lives.

Whether they’re sharing their career paths, offering mentorship, opening doors to new opportunities, or supporting programs through donations, these alumni help bring the student experience full circle.

More than anything, they provide something students need most: perspective. They show today’s students that the uncertainty they feel is normal and that success is possible. 

Creating a Better Path Forward

Nicole’s work is grounded in a simple belief: no student should have to navigate college alone. She encourages students to build relationships with faculty and staff, so they feel confident turning to someone for guidance and support.

She also encourages faculty and staff to be patient, understanding that engagement is a process.

“Our students may not appear ready to engage at first,” she says, “but trust me, they are looking for connections.”

By building intentional support systems, fostering belonging, and preparing students for life beyond college, Ģ����Ƶ is transforming the student experience, especially for those who need it most.

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Powell, who becomes the fifth head coach in the history of the 41-year program, replaces Dan Sheehan, who retired from the sidelines after 29 years to become the College’s Director of Philanthropy for Athletics.

“Casey Powell’s impact on the sport of lacrosse is undeniable,” said Brown. “As one of the game’s most influential figures, he has inspired generations of players while helping grow the sport at every level. Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Casey is a proven mentor whose commitment to developing young people aligns perfectly with our mission at Ģ����Ƶ. As we continue building our Division I future, we are excited to welcome Casey to the Dolphins family and look forward to the leadership, vision, and passion he will bring to our men’s lacrosse program.”

“I’m honored and grateful to accept the opportunity to become the next Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Ģ����Ƶ College,” said Powell. “This is not just a personal milestone; it’s a collective journey for all of us who are passionate about this program and its legacy.

“First, we must acknowledge the legendary coach who laid such a tremendous foundation for us—Dan Sheehan. His contributions have shaped one of the most successful coaching legacies in college lacrosse, and we stand on the shoulders of giants.

“Ģ����Ƶ sits on the land of the Onondaga, where this beautiful game originated, making it a very special place for us all. Our roots run deep here, and it is our responsibility to honor that history as we forge our path forward.”

Powell comes to the Heights after serving as the Director of Program and Head Lacrosse Coach at Colorado Academy.

His first foray into collegiate coaching came at Cortland State. He then served as the offensive coordinator for the men’s program at Jacksonville University in 2015-16. He was a volunteer assistant for the women’s program at Northwestern University during the 2020 season.

In between his stints at Cortland and Jacksonville, he was the Director of Lacrosse from 2010-13 at Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, Florida and led the program to the Florida State Championship. He has also served as an assistant coach for the Haudenosaunee National Team.

“My vision aligns with Jesuit values that emphasize developing the whole person—mind, body, and soul,” continued Powell. “Together, we will tap into our collective resources and experiences, serving Ģ����Ƶ College to the best of our abilities.

“I chose Ģ����Ƶ because this is home—not just for me, but for all of us who share a commitment to this community. Upstate New York is the heart of the Creator’s Game, and no one understands its history, passion, and purpose better than the people in this region. We’ve spent our lives surrounded by players who love and respect the game, embodying the values of hard work, teamwork, and the understanding that success is earned.

“Lacrosse is our greatest tool for developing better human beings. While winning championships is important, our focus will be on nurturing leaders, teammates, fathers, husbands, coaches, and individuals of character. The daily preparation, discipline, accountability, and commitment to one another will shape who we become long after the final whistle. When we consistently live by these principles, the victories will naturally follow.”

In a legendary collegiate career at Syracuse University, where he wore the famed #22, Powell was a four-time All-America selection (first team as a sophomore, junior and senior and second team as a freshman) and is the only player in men’s lacrosse history to be named the national player of the year at two positions. In addition to being the recipient of the Lt. Raymond J. Enners Award as the nation’s Most Outstanding Player as a junior and senior, he was named the recipient of the Lt. j.g. Donald McLaughlin Jr. Award as the nation’s top midfielder as a sophomore and the recipient of the Lt. Col. Jack I. Turnbull Award as the nation’s top attackman as a senior. He is tied for third all-time (with younger brother Ryan) in Syracuse history with 287 career points off 158 goals and 129 assists. He was the program’s points leader at the end of his career and was tied for second up until the 2026 season. As a freshman in 1995, he helped the Orange to their sixth national championship.

In a decorated professional career spanning from 1998 through 2016, he was named the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Offensive Player of the Year in 2005 and 2014 and the Most Valuable Player in 2014. He tallied 484 points, 243 goals and 237 assists in the regular season in his MLL career and ranked third, sixth and second, respectively, in each category at the end of his career. He also added 40 points on 19 goals and 21 assists in the playoffs. He was also tabbed the National Lacrosse League (NLL) Most Valuable Player in 2010. He had 674 points on 279 goals and 395 assists in the regular season in his indoor career, while adding 65 points on 33 goals and 32 assists in the playoffs.

Internationally, he captained the U.S. team to the silver medal at the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship. He captained the U.S. team to the bronze medal at the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship, where he was named the tournament MVP. He was an assistant captain for the bronze medal-winning U.S. team at the 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship.

He was inducted into the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2017, the NLL Hall of Fame in 2021 and was a member of the inaugural class of the Professional Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2022.

Additionally, he is the founder of the Casey Powell Lacrosse Foundation, founder and owner of SPEED Lacrosse, co-owner of the Powell Lacrosse Stick Company and the founder and operator of the Powell Brothers Lacrosse Instructional Camps.

He received his Bachelor of Arts and Science in Psychology from Syracuse University.

“We’re looking for winners—not just players who want to win, but individuals who understand what true winning requires,” added Powell. “Winners embrace sacrifice, choose discipline over comfort and surround themselves with those who uplift them. They respect our school, represent their families with pride and compete with relentless heart, humility, and hunger every single day.

“If you want to be part of something bigger than yourself, if you’re eager to help build a championship culture from the inside out, then I want to hear from you. Together, we’re going to build something special. Together, we’re going to develop exceptional young men. And together, we’re going to win.

Go Dolphins!”

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• Transfer student success outcomes
• Credit mobility and degree applicability
• Financial support for transfer students
• Recruitment and admissions practices
• Campus engagement and support for transfer students

“This recognition is about much more than transfer agreements,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, PTK president and CEO. “Successful transfer happens when institutions intentionally design policies, practices, and campus cultures that help students thrive after they arrive. These colleges have demonstrated that transfer student success is not accidental. It is a strategic priority.”

The 2026 Honor Roll institutions demonstrated exceptional performance across multiple measures of transfer success. Among this year’s recognized institutions:

• Average percentage of transfer students in the undergraduate population: 56%
• Average bachelor’s degree completion rate for transfer students: 77%
• Average percentage of transferred credits applied toward a degree: 88%
• Average percentage of transfer students receiving merit-based financial aid: 76%

Recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges as the official honor society for two-year colleges, PTK is the nation’s largest honor society in higher education, with more than 4.5 million members and nearly 1,200 chapters in 11 countries, including approximately 220,000 active members in colleges today. 

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Powers’ dual degree in English and communication serves her well in her capacity as a senior marketing manager at Beacon Press, a mission-driven independent publisher based in Boston, Massachusetts. She joined the company in 2016 as an associate marketing manager and was promoted to her current role in 2022. It is not just her pleasure, but her responsibility, to spend her days discussing books with everyone from academics to librarians to booksellers. She is proud of the titles she and her colleagues help create and distribute. She is also mindful that her work is informed by her time at Ģ����Ƶ, where she was exposed to different ways of writing and thinking about the world.

Many of Powers’ most important revelations took place in the classroom, including in the Literary New England that she says was her and her peers’ version of the Academy Award-winning film Dead Poets Society. However, there were also things that she discovered while not seated in a lecture. There were valuable lessons for her to unpack in her at Syracuse University Press; in the reading of Allen Ginsburg’s Howl at the campus pub that she helped to stage; in a trip she took to New York City, where she and her classmates visited the Strand bookstore and the majestic building that houses the main branch of the city’s public library.

Powers even found herself learning on what she called “the regular nights that began with the intention to study with friends, but always somehow turned into all-night dance parties or conversations about life and music and poetry and growing up.”

The post Finding Meaningful Work in the Life of the Mind: Meet Emily Powers ’13 appeared first on Ģ����Ƶ.

Schmidt has been a practicing nurse for five years. In that time she has worked in acute care cardiology at Crouse Hospital and orthopedics and gastroenterology at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. She has modeled healthy habits and treated each patient with empathy. It is demanding, complex work. But Schmidt’s decision to continue her education in Ģ����Ƶ’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program? That was a simple one.  

Over the course of her time at Ģ����Ƶ, Schmidt not only refined her clinical skills, but she also learned how to educate her patients and advocate on their behalf. She learned from caring, supportive professors who brought their professional experiences to the classroom and alongside classmates who encouraged one another throughout the program. She also benefited from the College’s Healthcare Opportunities for Professional and Educational Success (HOPES) program. Funded by the New York State Department of Health, HOPES addresses barriers that can accompany advanced healthcare training, including financial, academic, cultural, and logistical challenges, so that students are better positioned to persist, graduate and enter professional practice. In Schmidt’s case, it allowed her to pay for some personal expenses while balancing work and school.

Later this summer, Schmidt will take on a new role. She will begin serving as an FNP at the Onondaga Justice Center. She looks forward to the responsibility, and she is mindful of how important it is to continue to grow in her work.

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A native of Camillus, New York, Murphy made the most of his time at Ģ����Ƶ. He fondly remembers  engaging in lively discussions in each of his classes and honing his ability to craft clear, cogent texts in various creative writing workshops. He cherished the opportunity to learn alongside his peers, some of whom had similar interests and outlooks as he did, others who had different priorities and life experiences. Looking back, he says, his time in the English program exposed him to a variety of perspectives and ideas. Each piece of literature he studied “added more elasticity to [his] mind and provided additional lenses through which to find meaning, richness and beauty in life.”

Away from the classroom, Murphy learned and grew as an individual and a professional while working as an intern at the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. All of those experiences have served him well since then, as he earned a law degree from Syracuse University, launched his career as an attorney at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and embarked on the work he is now doing at the DASNY. Each is part of a puzzle that the alumnus continues to put together, thoughtfully and with purpose.

He offered this advice to current Ģ����Ƶ students:

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