Historical February–March 2007 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
For some students, heading off to college and being completely on their own for the first time can be a daunting process. Thanks to the Home Plate program, some University students are enjoying a little bit of home away from home. Home Plate, started by Risa Zwerling Wrighton, wife of Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton, aims to enhance students’ experiences by connecting them with host families from the University community and surrounding neighborhoods for home-cooked meals and outings around St. Louis. “Many students greatly enjoy their experience at the University,” Zwerling Wrighton said. “But I think this program has the potential to help them love it here.
It makes a big difference in softening the adjustment process for freshmen.” Amarantha Quintana-Morales experienced her first Home Plate dinner during her freshman year and had a great time. “The family I ate with was very nice and they made me feel comfortable in their home,” she said. “It was great that they were an architect and a historian because those are two things I am interested in, and we had a lot to talk about.” According to Zwerling Wrighton, “For fall semester we recruited an additional 85 families for the program and quickly matched them with students.
We are looking for more families who might be willing to host a dinner on February 11 or 18th.” Cheryl Adelstein, the University director of Community Relations said, “This a great way to engage in the life of the University and also help students learn about and gain respect for the neighborhoods that surround the University.” You can learn more about this program and register to participate by calling 935-8350, e-mailing Risa Zwerling Wrighton at zwerling@ wustl.edu and online at http:// homeplate.wustl.edu.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2007.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2007_02.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
