Mission
The Orientation program facilitates the successful transition of new undergraduate students into Catholic University's intellectual, social, and faith-based communities; promotes student learning and development, encourages independence, and individual responsibility; and facilitates continued student success to graduation.
This is accomplished through programming that emphasizes the University's academic and community expectations and social and developmental resources and opportunities.
Through personal connections with peer leaders, faculty, and administration, new students and their families will develop an introductory understanding and appreciation of the intellectual, social, and service opportunities available, and gain knowledge of campus and community resources
Vision
Affect the University's retention efforts through a model orientation program that helps students feel welcome, connect with their new environment, explore their faith, understand expectations, and know where to seek support.
Establish a cohesive and comprehensive Cardinal Challenge program that more deeply explores what it means to be a student at CUA. Activities and programs will be directed toward student involvement, making connections with individuals and resources, academic success, and broadening student general knowledge of the University.
Sustain a rewarding student staff leadership experience that promotes interpersonal growth and development, and leads to an enhanced peer mentor relationship for new students.
Meet the Executive Staff!
 |
Steve Kreider returns to the Office of Campus Activities as the Director after previously serving from 2006-2015 in various roles in OCA. Since leaving OCA, he has been working at Anne Arundel Community College in the Office of Student Engagement working primarily with the student organizations providing leadership training, logistical and event planning support, and financial management. He is excited to return to OCA and CUA to serve as the Director of a great department and looks forward to getting back into the feel of everything CUA. Attending Penn State for his undergraduate degree and The University of Memphis for his graduate degree Steve has a variety of experiences including residence life, student conduct, leadership development, and of course campus activities. Outside of work Steve is very actively involved regionally and nationally with Ultimate Frisbee playing, coaching, and serving as a head referee for DC's professional team. Steve and his wife have 2 adorable puppies who want everyone to follow them on Instagram at @taleswithwalter and @doodlewithlillian. |
 |
Lily Herzog is a Business Administration major with a specialty in Marketing from Basking Ridge, New Jersey. She is currently a student leader in Campus Ministry and helps run the Women's Ministry events team. She is also a Spring Break Service Trip Leader and is so excited to plan and guide the Los Angeles trip for this year. This will be Lily’s third year on the Orientation staff! In her spare time, she loves adventuring throughout D.C. and is currently on the hunt to find the best coffee shop in the city. On campus, you can almost always find her around the Pryz or the Busch School of Business. Lily’s favorite memories at CUA so far include hanging out with friends, seeing live music in the city, volunteering at service sites, and studying abroad in Rome for a semester. Lily is a huge proponent of getting outside of one’s own comfort zone. Going into college, her goal was to push her own limits for the good of others, hoping to foster more community and build connections. She joined the Orientation program as a means of service to connect with new students and help them feel more at home in such a new space. Little did she know, this program would turn out to be more of a service to her instead, by offering the community that she had searched for as a new student. To Lily, the biggest reward, however, has been to see the fruit of the program through the connections it creates among the student body. The most fruitful experiences for her come from giving of yourself, serving others, encouraging them to grow, and then watching them thrive. Lily wants to give her service, joy, and experience to the 2026 Student Coordinator position to continue building a welcoming space for all new students and families. “Catholic University has given me a home away from home, and I want to help foster that feeling and those connections among others. The transition to college looks different for everyone. It can be challenging at times and that is okay! Challenge entails growth, and getting outside of your comfort zone means finding your own strength and potential. My purpose in Orientation has always been to guide students through these challenges and promote that growth in each individual. We are here to help and can’t wait for you to join our CUA community!” |
 |
Addison Quintana, who goes by “Addy,” is a junior Art & Design and Business double major from Shreveport, Louisiana. In addition to entering her third year on the Orientation staff, Addy is in the University Honors Program and a member of Best Buddies. She is most likely to be found in the Pryz spending time with her friends or studying between her classes. In her free time, Addy loves to explore the shops in Georgetown, try new restaurants, and go on long walks in the city! |