A dozen counselors from Puerto Rico visited campus on December 2 to tour Neumann’s facilities and establish connections with administrators and staff.

The visitors represented a variety of schools, including Colegio San Felipe de Arecibo, Academia Maria Reina, Colegio Católico Notre Dame, American Academy Gurabo, and others.

Dr. Chris Domes, Francesca Reed, and Brian O’Doherty welcomed them at the Mirenda Center before David Alvarez, senior admissions counselor, presented an overview of Neumann’s academic offerings, student activities and the path to admission.

A 2019 graduate of Neumann and a native of Puerto Rico, Alvarez organized the campus visit. He has traveled to the island for the last three years to establish relationships with counselors there.

He and Neumann Navigator Estefani Rosas Vera, both bilingual, then led a campus tour for the group.

During the afternoon, the group engaged in a panel discussion with Susan Pegan, director of student success; Bonnie Yake, assistant dean of students; Victor Betancourt, associate provost for global engagement; and Eric Wellington, dean of the School of Business.

“I thought it went great,” said Alvarez. “We want to keep building relationships in Puerto Rico and establish a supportive pathway for students who want to attend. The counselors were very impressed.”

O’Doherty, the director of undergraduate admissions, agreed. “David really gave them a picture of the experience and support students will get even far from home,” he said. “I believe this event, as well as the work David is doing when he is there, will go far in creating a Puerto Rico-Neumann pipeline of students who have values that align with those of the university and who want to experience life and school in a location that has so many opportunities.”

The counselors also visited other schools in the Northeast, including Goldy Beacom, SUNY Maritime College, St. John’s University, and the University of Connecticut.