Upper Iowa University Blogs – Storm Schmitt

Peacock Nation –

What a week, what a week, what a week!! We go from an empty campus to a campus with people everywhere. It has been a downright great week to be a Peacock. We kicked the week off with the annual Backyard BBQ at President Walker’s home. Just thinking about all the food they had available makes my stomach growl. Ribs, chicken, homemade potato chips, watermelon, pasta salad, potato salad and of course pie. It was a perfect night for the festival and there was a great turn out. They always have prizes too. I was fortunate enough to win a long sleeve Nike t-shirt.

Monday was the 1st day of classes. The Liberal Arts Center opened its doors for the 1st time at 7 am. I walked through the building for the Monday afternoon. It is a very impressive building. From its modern design to its comfortable classrooms, this complex is an amazing addition to the university. I cannot urge people enough to come check it out. I also had the opportunity to see the Suite Style Dorms a little bit more. The residents of the South Village sure are lovin’ their new building, as do I! My parents even came by campus on Wednesday to check things out. (had to charge them a bag of Fennimore, WI cheese curds for the tour)

I closed out the class of 2010 on Monday and began working on 2011 immediately. Between several visitors this week, I printed and signed about 450 letters that will be sent to ALL of my 2011 students. I explained the college search process and introduced myself in this letter. I hope our new work study students are ready to work next week. That is a lot of letters to fold and stuff.

Because I have started working on the class of 2011, that means I will begin traveling very soon. My 1st college fair of the year is in La Crosse September 8th. From there on out, it is life on the road. I have begun booking all my high school travel. Sumner-Fred., North Fayette, Oelwein and Postville are a few of the schools I have booked for my 1st week of travel. I am really looking forward to seeing all of my Guidance Counselors and showing them videos on my iPad. Jackson and I are going to film the videos next week and get them edited right way.

Josh ‘Squeaks’ Wells (old roommate) made an appearance in Fayette this week. We have been grilling like crazy, just like old times. It sure is great seein’ college friends again.

Coach Dolan hooked me up with a new nametag for my desk. I have included a picture at the end of the blog to show it off.

I hope everyone is doing well and I hope to see you on UIU’s campus very soon.

LET’S GO PEACOCKS!!!!!

Peacock Nation -
To be a freshman again…. It was on the best feelings ever, moving into your new pad with a bunch of new friends, ready to take on whatever is thrown at you. I do realize it is Saturday and I should probably be jet skiing or riding bike, but it is NEW STUDENT DAYS!!! HOO-RAY!! Welcome to campus new students and welcome back returners. It sure is great to have a bunch of activities going on. This morning students were able to move into their dorm rooms. Garbee hall, Hoffmaster Apartments, Lee Tower and the brand new suite style dorms were opened up and were very busy with people moving stuff in. After students moved in, everyone headed to the football field. The annual Crunch n’ Munch was held. The football team opens up practice for everyone to watch and Aramark cooked up some burgers and hot dogs. Students will then go around campus to complete their enrollment validation.
Earlier this week I had the opportunity to work at the Iowa State Fair. The UIU booth was once again a must stop in the Varied Industries building. We were giving away t-shirts, hats, lip balm, band aids, koozies, and many other great prizes. The spin to win wheel never gets a break. There is a constant line of at least 20 people to win a prize. In between my shifts at the fair I was FINALLY able to get my iPad. I swung over to Jordan Creek Mall and hit the Apple store. I am excited to begin working with Jackson Hayek on the virtual tour of campus. We are going to get some good tours of the new dorms, new liberal arts center, and of course the rest of our wonderful campus.
As the admissions process for 2010 comes to an end, we have a great group of new students entering Upper Iowa. This new group of students along with our current students will continue to make Upper Iowa University a wonderful university. Fall travel will soon begin which can only mean one thing, it’s time for 2011 Seniors to start thinking about the college search process.
I will get another blog up early this week, it’s time to sign off on some EV cards.

LET’S GO PEACOCKS!!

Peacock Nation –

Potter’s Hill doesn’t have ONE thing on TEAM PEACOCK!!! I survived RAGBRAI 2010 and have a bunch of great memories to go along with the ride. Some of the biggest news coverage to come from RAGBRAI 2010 was the 19% grade hill we had to pedal on the last day. I would guess 1 out of 25 riders made it up the hill without walking. Team Peacock had a nice showing on the hill. 6 riders were able to make it up the giant hill. Check out this link to see how bad the hill really was.

http://ragbrai.com/index.php/2010/08/01/video-conquering-potter-hill/

Our team also reached our scholarship goal. We wanted to hit the $500,000 mark before we started pedaling. Team Peacock has raised $501,185 since 2005. All of this money is given back to the student to minimize student debt.

http://uiu.edu/teampeacock/

It has been very active in our office this week. I have had a visitor every day. From campus tours to running prospective students across campus to their next appointment, I am glad RAGBRAI whipped me into shape!! The admissions process is about to start from the beginning for me again. I will be traveling around NE Iowa in less than a month. It is hard to believe summer has come and gone.

I am excited for 5 pm today. We are Tulsa bound. I have mentioned before that I did my internship in Tulsa, OK with Atlas Pipeline. It has been 2 years since I have been to Tulsa, so I felt it was necessary to go visit Bob and Betty Firth along with some other great friends I made while I stayed in Tulsa.

Check out the link to our Flickr site. There are TONS of great pictures from RAGBRAI.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/upperiowauniversity/sets/72157624349549526/with/4852706057/

LET’S GO PEACOCKS!!!

Hello Peacock Nation

Our office just got back from eating Chinese for lunch in West Union. It was not a celebration lunch though, one of our team members is leaving next week. Elisha Morris has taken a position in Minnesota. Her degree is in Athletic Training and has found a job doing that at a high school. Not only is Upper Iowa losing a great employee, but our office is losing a GREAT friend. I wish her luck in everything she does!!

We had an Open House/Orientation Day on Monday that went really well. This was a huge success and a lot of fun between a BBQ, a Campus Run Game and excited students. We also had about 40 Upward Bound students visit on Wednesday and Thursday. The students stayed in our current apartment style living, Lee Tower. Once again I got the opportunity to be Pete the Peacock. The Office of Communication and Marketing just bought a brand new Peacock suit. The lightweight suit came all the way from Japan.

RAGBRAI starts this coming Sunday. I am packed and ready to roll. I took yesterday afternoon off to make a Walmart trip and get everything organized for the ride. My high school English teacher, T-Rob, would sure be proud of me. I usually wait until the last minute to get things done. I must say I impressed myself yesterday. Be sure to check out all the great information on Upper Iowa’s website about Team Peacock. There has been a lot of hard work put into making this event a success. We are right on track to raising $150,000 in scholarship money. www.uiu.edu/teampeacock. The official RAGBRAI website is very good too. www.ragbrai.com There are 7 overnight towns throughout the ride. Be sure to stop by the UIU booth and claim yourself one of the many great prizes we have to offer. DONATE MONEY TO YOUR FAVORITE RIDER TODAY!!!

When I get back from my journey across this wonderful state, it will be time to start getting things organized for fall travel. I plan on adding a little twist to my travel this year. I am going to buy an iPad and work with Jackson to develop a “virtual tour.” I will be able to show counselors and their students our amazing campus.
Wish me luck and I hope to see you along the ride.

LET’S GO PEACOCKS!!!

Peacock Nation –

It has been a few weeks since I have posted a blog, my apologies. Time has been flying by lately. I have been on the run since my July 4th weekend in Harpers Ferry, planning prospective student events, slow pitch softball, and a wonderful trip to Orlando, Florida. I have been trying to squeeze as much RAGBRAI training in as I can too. Team Peacock leaves in 8 days to begin the 7 day bicycle journey. I am very excited to start the ride. Nothing beats pedaling across this wonderful state and eating all the great foods provided along the way.

Team Peacock is a POWERHOUSE on RAGBRAI. Fellow riders, people along the way, and even The Des Moines Register’s staff comment on how nice of a job UIU does on the ride. It is a wonderful experience for everyone and it allows UIU to raise scholarship money and promote the University. Check out our Team Peacock Video
http://www.facebook.com/teampeacock#!/video/video.php?v=412757944900&ref=mf

Last weekend it seemed as though Upper Iowa held an Alumni event at Fred’s Classic in Sumner. Fred’s Classic has been in downtown Sumner for almost 30 years. It is a slow-pitch softball tournament with around 30 teams entered. The team I played for consisted of all but 3 UIU Alums. It is always a lot of fun to get back together with fellow Peacocks. Although we didn’t win a lot of games, we had a lot of fun reminiscing about memories at UIU.
After playing softball on Saturday I was Florida bound. Myself and 3 others from the office attended The National Small College Enrollment Conference. We stayed just outside of Orlando. This was my first conference ever and I just wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had an amazing time. Not only did I gain a lot of valuable information from the presenter, but being able to discuss common topics with other Admission Counselors is always beneficial. Tuesday evening the conference planners felt it was necessary to spend an evening at Disney World. This was my 2nd trip to the House of the Mouse. When I was in 8th grade I had the opportunity to play basketball at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. It is always impressive to see how BIG Disney really is. As I was walking around the Magic Kingdom I thought to myself, “I wonder who would win in the battle of the mascots… Pete the Peacock or Mickey Mouse?” GO PETE GO!!!

I promise I will get one more blog posted before I leave for RAGBRAI, talk about my packing strategy.
As for Admissions, the 2010-2011 recruiting year is coming close to being done. Soon I will be starting all over in the College Search Process.

LET’S GO PEACOCKS!!!

I know I stole the theme of UIU’s Homecoming a few years back, but I thought it was fitting after all the Jet Ski riding that went on this weekend. It is Monday morning back from a fantastic weekend of biking 50 miles, eating at The Machine Shed, and A LOT of SPF 45.

Admissions is starting the week out right with our last OAR Day until July 19th. About 25 students made their way to campus this morning to take the final steps to become a Peacock. I was having a conversation with one student’s mother about how nervous/anxious you are to start this new chapter of life. We also began recollecting about our college orientation and how awesome it would be to go back and have the college experience one more time. We had a very good laugh when we brought up the topic of our 1st college ID. The picture never quite turns out how you would like it to. I think I went through at least 4 IDs my freshman year compliments of the washer and my messy dorm room in Garbee Hall.

Well……RAGBRAI is less than a month away, it always seems to sneak up on ya. I finally got my bike back in working order so it is probably time to start training like a mad man and put some serious miles on. Team Peacock has a new addition this year and it made its debut last week. I had the opportunity to be Pete the Peacock for the photo shoot too. If you are an Admission Counselor, you gotta be ready for ANYTHING. Anything even includes wearing a mascot suit in 90 degree weather and trying to ride a bike. I posted a picture below to show you the pimpin’ bus.

The recruiting season is gradually slowing down. I do want to assure anyone there is still plenty of time to become a student at UIU. Just give me a shout and we will get you taken care of. As part of our marketing campaign, many of you may have seen our newest advertisement when you are headed to the movies. I have received many text messages from people saying how cool they think it is. Click the link to check this little video out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwqUMQ1Kss8

I would like to wish everyone a fun and safe 4th of July weekend. 4th of July is always one of my favorite holidays. There is nothing like spending the weekend with family and friends and enjoying the fireworks on a nice Iowa night.

Until next time…..

GO PEACOCKS!!!!

Peacock Nation –
Hello! Hello! Hello!
I never really did enjoy using an umbrella, but the last few days have forced me into sporting the blue and white Peacock umbrellas. It sure has been a great time to be on the Upper Iowa University Campus though, between the rains that is. Getting drenched is never fun! I have been very busy with Orientation Days, tours, and finalizing files. Last week UIU held 3 orientation days. It takes a CAMPUS WIDE effort to successfully hold Orientation. We have already had over 100 students complete Orientation. Registration began at 8:30 am and runs until 9 am. The students and their families are greeted by Louise Scott and Dr. Walker. The students then go on to take a placement assessment and the parents receive a bunch of great information about being a UIU parent. After the assessment the fun begins! Our guests get the opportunity to eat lunch in our cafeteria, check out a dorm room, and visit the logo store over the noon hour. The day concludes with stops in Financial Aid, Class Registration, Informational Sessions, and of course ice cream!! Students and their families leave campus knowing everything there is to know about Upper Iowa.
I have also had the opportunity to give tours for IEXL. IEXL is a program that allows students to complete a 3 credit class in 5 days. They go to class from 8-5 everyday. Many students who take online or independent study classes take advantage of this opportunity to truly gain the UIU/college experience. I enjoyed showing these people around our wonderful campus and everything it has to offer. The new construction projects are on time and on budget according to Dr. Walker. Get over to Fayette and see these marvelous projects. I still think they should name one of the new buildings after me
The weather hasn’t allowed me to get a lot of miles on my bike for RAGBRAI. The countdown continues… 38 days. We have roughly 200 miles under our belts, but need to start doubling our distances very soon. 20 – 25 mile rides are nice, but if I want to continue the tradition of the century loop (100 mile day) I am definitely going to have to keep hitting the pavement.
The Sumner-Fredericksburg Cougars faced Postville Monday night. I left work an hour early to pick up my broken bicycle in Decorah and then continued to Postville. I walked into the game to see #23 (Mitch Schmitt) hit a Grand Slam for the Cougars. Good Work.
Get out and enjoy the weather, I know I am going to!! About time to start mowing the long grass.

GO PEACOCKS

Peacock Nation –

The days are flying by, and that can only mean one thing… It is summer.  I hope everyone had a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend. My weekend consisted of moving, jet-skiing, my cousin’s graduation party, and some lawn mowing. The Jet Ski got a taste of water finally on Saturday when we traveled to Harpers Ferry, Iowa. Harpers Ferry is right on the Mississippi. I have gotten to know quite a few people on the river and of course there are a lot of Peacocks out and about. I always wear UIU apparel when I am out and about. It’s always fun to travel because you run into people who are somehow connected to Upper Iowa. Whether you are in the Las Vegas Airport or in Chicago walking down the street, it seems people come up to you and ask about UIU.

This reminds me of a good story. Being part of the UIU network is truly an amazing thing; you meet people from all over the world who have ties with Upper Iowa. The summer before my senior year of college (summer 2008) I did an internship in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I had an absolute blast working and getting to know people in Tulsa. It was in May 2009 we decided to make a weekend trip to Tulsa and visit all the people I had gotten to know. We were just a few miles north of the Iowa/Missouri border when an unfortunate event happened. Driving my parents’ Toyota Camry for the best possible gas mileage, I hit a GIANT raccoon. Hitting a raccoon doesn’t seem like too big of a deal, WRONG! The oversized raccoon did more than $3000 damage and left us stranded in Leon, Iowa for a night. The next morning was more disappointment because Leon’s mechanic wasn’t able to fix the car. We were not going to make it to Tulsa and we didn’t have a way back to Fayette. We rode in the tow truck to the Des Moines Toyota dealer, so we were 1 hour closer. I had been in contact with Betty Firth to see if they were going to be in Tulsa over the weekend and she had made mentioned about a UIU Board Meeting in Des Moines. I gave Betty a call and told her about my crazy night and she asked around at the board meeting if anyone was headed back to Fayette ASAP. Fortunately, Don Aungst came to the rescue and drove us back to Fayette.  From being right at home in Fayette or three hours away in Des Moines, there are Peacocks everywhere!!!

I am very excited for next week to come. We will have THREE Summer Orientation Days on campus. Can’t wait to see all the students I have worked with over the past year.

Until next time,

LET’S GO PEACOCKS!!!

Congratulations to Mary Schmitt, my mom, today is her last day of school/work. After 30+ years of teaching, she is retiring.

Peacock Nation -

It’s not a secret today, summer weather is here. After a weekend full of 80 + temps, the mild spring weather has come and gone. Parker-Fox Hall (President’s Office, Office of Communications + Marketing, and Admissions) is not a very cool place to be. It’s cool because of all the awesome people that work here, but the A/C is not working…. BUMMER I know it may sound crazy, but I would take a frosty, cold, Iowa winter day over a hot, muggy, summer day!!

My weekend went very quickly!! Mitch, my little brother, graduated from Sumner-Fredericksburg High School 8 days ago and his graduation party was this past Saturday. Everyone knows how much I enjoy eating!! (I didn’t grow to be 6′5″ by not eating) Mary had pork sandwiches, nachos, salads, cheese, cake, and of course MARY BARS. It was held at Meadowbrook Country Club. I was able to see and catch up with a lot of people I have not seen in a very long time. My babysitter, high school PE teacher, family, neighbors and even college friends sure made this a memorable evening. The 4 hours flew by, it seemed the party had just started when 8 p.m. rolled around. Growing up and living in a small town is a wonderful thing. Seeing people from my childhood made me realize Sumner rocks!! 

I need to give a congratulations shout out to Mitch on his graduation. He had a very successful high school career and as many people told me Saturday, he will be missed throughout the halls of SFHS. Mitch is going to further his education and athletic career at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA. I know, I know, you are probably thinking I am not doing my job very well if I can’t even recruit my little brother to UIU, but he will be successful wherever he goes.

As far as the Admissions World goes, I have had several visitors throughout this past week and my phone calls are starting to calm down a little. Orientation days are rapidly approaching. I tell students orientation brings you to campus knowing nothing about UIU and you leave knowing everything you need to know about UIU.

I do want to remind students it isn’t too late to become a Peacock.

THE A/C IS NOW WORKING!! HOO-RAY!!!

Until next time,

LET’S GO PEACOCKS