Students at Hillsdale can expect more job opportunities, more chances to develop professional skills, and a stronger connection with the admissions department in the next couple of years thanks to a recent alumnus who has returned to work in Central Hall.
John Papciak `13 is the new assistant director of campus recruitment for admissions. John returned to Hillsdale at the end of last semester and brought with him plenty of experience, passion, and new ideas for the student admissions programs.
Papciak came to Hillsdale as a student in 2008, majoring in psychology. He was actively involved in Relay for Life, Sigma Chi, Student Federation, and the speech team. However, Papciak’s impact was most seen in the admissions department, where he worked for four years as a student ambassador and college marketing assistant.
“I have worked with so many students in admissions,” Visit Coordinator Margaret Braman said. “But John was one of my favorites. He was always dependable and very professional.”
Papciak’s student experience and dedication to the program made him a prime candidate when this new position opened up at the college.
Papciak was working as an executive team leader for Target after graduation, but was overjoyed when he was notified of the admissions job.
“I realized after graduation that there really isn’t any other place like Hillsdale,” Papciak said. “When I came for my interview I parked in the visitors’ parking spot, and it really resonated with me. I wanted to be able to be a part of this legacy again.”
After Papciak was hired, he immediately began contributing new ideas and setting goals for the student worker admissions programs. This involves refining the current student call team and student ambassador positions, as well as working on creating some new opportunities like junior admissions counselors, graduate ambassadors, and internships. He also hopes to streamline more of these opportunities and give students the chance to develop professional skills that they will use in the workplace.
“It’s great having him here in the office,” Admissions Counselor Kelly Scott ’14 said. “He brings good experience, creativity, and enthusiasm.”
Papciak said he believes that student ambassadors should be able not to tell, but show through their actions and demeanor what the liberal arts mean to prospective students.
“I want students to gain a stronger understanding of the liberal arts by working with our programs,” he said. “It feeds the passion and purpose they curate here.”
Papciak has revitalized the student ambassador program to become a living example of Hillsdale’s mission and also a place where students can acquire skills that will make them viable candidates for work after graduation. The addition of the new programs will hopefully make a four-year progressive career for students in the admissions office, allowing them to move from call team to perhaps a junior intern.
“It is the beginning of a very dynamic program and I’m looking forward to the developments,” Papciak said.
