By Amy Zambrano
Dean Deidre Shaffer is the recent addition to the Rosemont administration as the Dean of Students. She is well qualified for the student life position because she was the Dean of Students at Wagner College, director of student activities at Philadelphia University, as well as the assistant director of student activities, and residential life at SUNY Alfred.
Throughout her educational career, Dean Shaffer was involved in major campus events, leadership development, and the advising of student programs. Dean Shaffer’s experience and expertise will enhance student life at Rosemont because students are her number one priority. Before coming to Rosemont, Dean Shaffer served as executive director of “Adults with Developmental Disabilities.” This organization focused on offering an extension of education after high school to disabled adults 18 and older in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. “Adults with Developmental Disabilities” mission is to develop independent citizens. Dean Shaffer contributed with the social development of the organization, fundraising, discussion groups, and educational programs and activities. In June 2008, Dean Shaffer was the recipient of the Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award sponsored by the Exceptional Parent Magazine at the Disability Awareness Night at the Phillies' game. In honor of her achievement, she threw the first pitch at the Phillies' game.
The people she met at her interview attracted Dean Shaffer to Rosemont College. Rosemont’s mission of service is very important to Dean Shaffer. Also, Dean Shaffer appeals to Rosemont’s culture and liberal arts environment. It is evident that Cornelia Connelly’s values and principles through “actions, not words” can be applied to Dean Shaffer. She wants to make a difference in each student’s life. Dean Shaffer plans to educate and empower our students to become dynamic leaders through the learning process. She is passionate about leadership development and development of strong women at Rosemont. She admires the opportunities that Rosemont gives its students through classroom activities, experiential learning, and outside events to learn about themselves and to grow into successful women.
Dean Shaffer is excited about the new direction in which Rosemont College is headed. She is actively involved in the strategic planning process to assist in the future transitions that lie ahead in the upcoming future. She plans to continue student involvement as Rosemont evolves in order to move the college forward. Dean Shaffer wants to engage campus community through the process of change. She admires our current sense of community and plans to instill it in future Rosemont generations. Dean Shaffer stated that her goal is to make Rosemont “a place to remember and a place to belong.” Through those inspiring words, it is evident that Dean Shaffer will make a positive impact on the Rosemont College community.
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