President uses Wingate 101 picnics to meet new students

Morgan Bourne
Staff Writer

A small, private university means smaller class sizes and more one-on-one attention from the professors. When we decided to attend Wingate University we knew that if we wanted tutoring, it was there and if we wanted to get involved, the options were there, easy and accessible.
What students may not have expected was to receive a free dinner on the beautiful campus lake during which they could chat with none other than the president of the university.
President Jerry McGee has hosted several Wingate 101 classes over the past four weeks in an attempt to get to know the freshman class on a more personal level. “At a school like this,” said Dr. McGee, “I feel like everyone should get to know the president.”
McGee made his rounds to various tables, talking freely to the students and listening as they told him of the exciting, yet scary transition into college life.
Out by the peaceful lake, picnic tables, covered in white tablecloths and decorated with potted flowers, awaited the students. Beach music played softly in the background making the freshmen feel instantly welcomed and at ease. After a brief greeting and blessing by Dane Jordan, minister of students and assistant dean of student affairs, the students were allowed access to a delicious, buffet-style dinner.
Dr. McGee generously provided a main dish, plenty of sides, a dessert, and, everyone’s favorite, a glass bottle of Coca-Cola.
“It was a good time to socialize with the president and the food was wonderful,” said Leslie Lewis. It did appear like everyone was having a great time, but most of all, President McGee as he watched the next group of Wingate students getting adjusted to campus life.
The dinners were kept rather informal so that the students would feel comfortable speaking with the president. Dr. McGee wanted them all to see that he is just a normal person and truly wants everyone to succeed. Even Dr. McGee’s wife stopped by during one of the gatherings to join in some of the fun and meet some of the students.
Students chatted among themselves or took advantage of the opportunity to make a formal introduction to Dr. McGee and to ask him a few questions. Hannah Crowe remarked, “It’s nice that the president cares to come out and talk to all of us.”
Many freshmen are in the same situation when they first go off to school. They’re lonely and somewhat hesitant to strike up a conversation with strangers. The dinners with the president helped to ease some of the awkwardness.
Everyone made nametags upon arriving that told their name, hometown, and major. This opened up chances to socialize and find common interests.
This past Monday was the fourth and final dinner on the lake for the year. It included the Wingate 101 classes of Dr. Sarah Harrison-Burns, Dr. Brooke Mitchell, Dr. Aaron Culley, Dr. James Hastings and Dr. Mark Roncace .
It was the first time Dr. McGee said he has done this style of gathering but he is in favor of doing it again in the future.
In the past, he tried to have dinner with about eight freshmen a week throughout the year but prefers the large, less intimidating type of gathering.
With both the students and Dr. McGee enjoying the dinner at the lake, it looks as if this could become an annual event. It’s just further proof that at a small university, you get to know everyone, even the president.