May 18, 1998
VILLANOVA, Pa. -
Pen Pal Day a Hit at Villanova
On Wednesday, April 29, 1998, a group of 63 elementary and middle school children traveled to Villanova University for Pen Pal day. These children had been corresponding to Villanova student-athletes all year along and this was the first opportunity for the pen pals to meet.
The Pen Pal program is an outreach program to elementary and middle school students. The purpose of the program is to provide an avenue of communication for Villanova Universities student-athletes to help guide young students in life choices. Student-athletes are assigned a child in the beginning of the 1997 academic year, and a correspondence is begun. Wildcat student-athletes write to their pen pal and encourage him or her to study, do homework, stay away from drugs, and other pertinent and essential topics that may help to improve the future of their pen pal.
"It was amazing to see the children really looking forward to meeting their pen pal," said Associate Athletic Director Mary Anne Dowling who coordinated the day. "I believe we made a difference with each child our student-athletes wrote and talked with. Everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves"
In the beginning of the 1997 academic year interested student-athletes are assigned a student pen pal. The athletes are matched by sports and by gender. Each student-athlete is also given deadlines to write to their pen pals. Student-athletes are also given the opportunity to speak to one elementary or middle school class for 10 to 15 minutes on appropriate subjects. Student-athletes are notified when letters from their pen pals arrive at the Student Services Office.
The athletes shared time with their pen pals, before taking a tour of campus. After the tour of campus the student-athletes ate lunch with their pen pals. After lunch the student-athlete continue to share time with their pen pals one-on-one. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a program aimed at promoting a positive image of intercollegiate athletics, planned the outreach program.
"We had over 100 student-athletes who wanted to be pen pals, but we were limited," said Dowling. "I think that shows the caliber of student-athletes we have here at Villanova."
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