During the summer months from mid-May to mid-August, while many Keene State College students went back to their hometowns, traveled for internships or other experiences, some students stayed in town. KSC had many summer courses available for students; some athletes continued their regular season through part of the summer and some chose to work or partake in internships.
Two students, Caroline McArdle and Erin Tierney, applied for the Special Education Graduate Program for this past summer. There were fourteen students in this program, according to Tierney. While they enjoyed their courses and those they studied with, they reflected on the school spirit during the summer session.
“I feel like the spirit would be better during the summer if there were more activities for students to partake in, like a summer carnival or something,” Tierney said.
McArdle said she agreed that with not a lot going on, the girls didn’t know of many students living in Keene for the summer.
“I feel like we were really isolated. I keep finding out about people who stayed here this summer and I had no idea,” McArdle said.
Sophomore Kyle Hastbacka stayed on-campus this summer and worked in Residential Life as a summer conference worker. He said he plans on staying in Keene again next summer.
Hastbacka compared the regular school semesters to the summer sessions.
“There was definitely a change of pace on campus during the summer. There were a lot less people but it was a great time to get to know some of the faculty and staff better. I think the spirit in the summer would definitely be improved if more students stuck around and were involved on campus,” Hastbacka said.
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McArdle said she wants KSC to provide more activities for the students who stay year-round.
“There’s all these things going on like Swamp Bats baseball games, Dort Road, Mount Monadnock, lakes and stuff. Keene State could really sell the town itself, not just the classes,” McArdle said, “We were here, so we went and found stuff to do on our own but some people wouldn’t do that. Maybe they’d want to stay if they knew more about the community.”
Victoria Robel, a junior at KSC who has lived in town her whole life had insight on summers in Keene.
“Honestly, I don’t think Keene State has a ton of school spirit anyways … a bit, but it’s hard when we don’t have a major sports game that everyone goes to. In the summer, Keene can definitely feel less traffic, less people around downtown, but the spirit doesn’t change that much. But I also know a lot about the community and what there is to do in my free time because I’ve been here for so long,” Robel said.
According to KSC’s website, there are ways to get in touch with the surrounding Keene community. A search engine for those looking for jobs, internships, or other work-related opportunities called JobWISE, helps employers in the Monadnock Region reach out to students who are interested. KSC’s page also has calendars with some events.
Students, professors and staff now look forward with the fall semester in full swing. There are approximately 4,700 students registered for courses as of now, according to Barbara Hamel, KSC’s associate registrar.
Tierney likes the high-traffic of a full campus during the fall semesters.
“Everyone’s here now, Keene State has a lot more programs going on and it’s just more fun-spirited. Even walking downtown, you see people you know from classes,” Tierney said.
Hamel reflected on the summer session.
“I really love the organized chaos that is the academic year but once summer hits, I’m grateful for the peace so I can get some work done. That only lasts for about two weeks and then I’m missing the insanity again. I, for one, am very glad everyone is back,” Hamel said.
Eleanor Marshall can be contacted at emarshall@keene-equinox.com.