NSU RiverHawk Host Family Program
Published: 2012-07-30
(Tahlequah, Okla.)--To assist incoming students with the transition to life at Northeastern State University and in Tahlequah, NSU seeks families to take part in its RiverHawk Host Family Program.
A host family will occasionally invite its student for a home-cooked meal or an evening out to dinner. Families can also take students to community and church functions, their children's extracurricular activities or local sporting events.
The program, begun in 2009, is managed by NSU Transfer and Parent Programs and co-chaired by Penny Turner, wife of university president Steve Turner.
"I am excited to be involved with the RiverHawk Host Family program," Turner said. "It provides a unique opportunity for our students to connect with the community. These connections will enhance the total student learning experience at NSU."
Suzanne Myers, director of transfer and parent programs, said RiverHawk Host Family was created to help students integrate and create bonds with the campus and Tahlequah communities.
"Some students never connect completely to the university, or connect much at all with Tahlequah," she said. "They don't attend the local festivals or perhaps find a church. Our hope is that through the host family they can find a lifelong connection to NSU and Tahlequah."
Myers said host families can avail students to benefits of living in Tahlequah which go beyond receiving an education.
"They will have friends that live in Tahlequah," she said. "The host family and the student's family usually create a lasting friendship. From a day-to-day perspective, the host family can offer students advice about local dentists or where to have a vehicle repaired."
RiverHawk Host Family has proven popular with incoming freshmen and transfers. Myers said the program anticipates a need of at least 75 volunteer families.
"We've measured our success by the number of students who want to participate and the feedback from host families and student families," she said. "It has all been overwhelmingly positive."
Families wishing to host an NSU student must fill out an application. For more information or to request an application call NSU Transfer and Parent Programs at 918-444-2139.
Published: 2012-07-30 10:17:36.497000