by Sarah Brower

The countdown has started for high school seniors to make the big decision about which college to attend. On April 3, Cornerstone had its first Family Orientation Day (FOD) of the year where high school students got to interact with professors, test out the food and experience campus with current Cornerstone students.

Katie Rose, the new campus visit coordinator, is busy helping plan and making sure that FOD days go smoothly.

Rose has been the undergraduate admissions counselor for the past year and a half, but Lisa Link, director of admissions, recently hired her into a new position.

“As an admissions counselor, my job was to help recruit new students to our university. As the campus visit coordinator, I’ll still be helping to recruit students; however, I will now oversee the campus visit program at Cornerstone, working closely with the admissions staff, a team of students and the Cornerstone community to create a great experience for our future students when they visit campus,” Rose said.

Part of Rose’s job is building relationships with students and counseling them through their college search process. She has led many students to CU.

“I have loved working in the admissions office, and one of my favorite parts is meeting with students when they visit campus,” Rose said. “A campus visit is such a powerful moment in a student’s college search. We have an amazing community of people here at Cornerstone, and it is a joy to help future students get connected here. When students start building relationships here, they can truly see themselves becoming a part of the CU family. It’s such an exciting thing to be a part of.”

Rose was hired March 20 and took the place of Darci Irwin. Irwin is now the director of alumni relations.

“Darci Irwin, who held this position before me, laid the groundwork for an incredible campus visit program. I’m looking forward to continuing to build upon her work,” Rose said.

Irwin thinks that Rose is the perfect candidate for the job.

“Katie is a dynamic person. She has a beautiful heart, a friendly demeanor and is extremely intelligent,” Irwin said. “Katie succeeds at whatever she puts her mind to and does so in a way that is collaborative and responsible. I am confident that Katie will bring continued excellence to our campus visits in the years to come.”

Irwin said Rose’s new position is important to Cornerstone.

“The campus visit coordinator role is vital to the university. By opening ourselves to guests each day and providing them with excellent service, we are showcasing the personal attention and amazing hospitality of this university,” Irwin said. “The desire is that each guest would have a memorable experience while here and that ultimately they would encounter the love of Christ. Katie’s leadership will ensure that this continues to happen.”

Coming to CU next year, Rose is planning a series of events called “Academic Preview Days.” On these days, CU will be able to present and highlight individual academic divisions on campus.

Rose said she has enjoyed her new responsibilities and connecting with students through events such as FOD day.

“My favorite part of my new position is introducing students to my friends at Cornerstone. I enjoy being able to connect students with the people that can answer their questions, give them advice, and in the process give them a glimpse of life here at CU,” Rose said. “It is an incredible joy and privilege to be a part of such an important decision in the lives of students. I’m looking forward to working closely with faculty, staff and students to continue welcoming new friends into our community.”