Home away from Home

Louise Phillipi, KCHO, and first-year students serve themselves at Home away from Home picnic.

A new program, Home away from Home, sponsored by a new group, the CSU, Chico Student Alumni Association, and the idea of the new director of Alumni and Parent Relations, Jack Fox, began with a picnic on September 9 for new students and hosting families.

The program is designed to meet the need for help with the transition from the familiar surroundings of home and family to the university environment. Whether it is a sympathetic ear, a place to store a bike, or a hot meal in a friendly home, the Chico family will provide much needed support to new students.

Jack Fox, director of Alumni and Parent Relations, oversees the barbecue at the Home away from Home picnic. (photos KM)

The program got off to a late-summer start, so approximately twenty students and families are participating in this first set of matches. The relatively small number, however, provided a huge amount of warmth and plan-making, according to Fox.

"We know the program is going to grow," said Fox. "The picnic was so successful—connections were made, one student got a part-time job, and plans were made for another get-together," said Fox.

If you are interested in participating in this program or know of a student who would especially benefit, call the Student Alumni Association at x6472 or go to the Web site: http://www.csuchico.edu/alm.