Like any out-of-state parent, Jeni Makinen knows the value of having resources that connect you to your child while they are in college. The Makinen family lives in Fort Collins, Colo. Her daughter Claire is a freshman business student who decided on ASU after visiting the campus in her senior year of high school.
“She had a connection to it,” said Makinen. But like any parent, sending her student off to another state was unnerving.
When Makinen and her family attended fall welcome last August, she was immediately impressed with the ASU Parents Association (ASUPA), and with their amount of presence on and off campus.
“They are everywhere,” she said, referring to the amount of events as well as ASUPA’s ever-increasing online presence on websites like Facebook and Twitter.
One of the best feelings Makinen had was the sense of belonging that an organization like the Parents Association offers.
“It gave us a place at ASU,” she said. It was reassuring to know there was an organization for parents like her, and she was impressed with all the things the Parents Association offers students and parents.
“You really feel like a part of the university,” she says. “It’s wonderful.”
And that feeling of belonging hasn’t left. Parents Association resources like the newsletter and calendar make Makinen and her family feel closer to ASU, and enable them to stay up-to-date on campus events. She is also appreciative of student resources like free tutoring that support student success.
Makinen stresses that without the help of dedicated parents, a place like the Parents Association would not be able to accomplish all of this. She looks forward to volunteering in Tempe during fall welcome activities as well as Colorado-based events throughout the year. “They can’t do it without people willing to help,” she said. “I can do what I can, even though I’m so far away.”