By Grady Andersen, Staff Writer 

On the second floor of the Gallagher Student Center, you might see a new face working as the director of the THRIVE Center. Her name is Alana Calhoun. 

After working at colleges throughout the state of Ohio for more than 15 years, Calhoun has now transitioned into a new role – helping with the pre-orientation programs the center offers. On top of this, learning about what makes Xavier special has been a major highlight for her. 

“Getting to know the students here – I think the ones that come to the Thrive Center – I want to know their names, their majors, their interests, passions, and things like that,” Calhoun said. 

This year Smooth Transitions, a year-long program designed to help first-generation and first-year students, saw an increase in admissions, with students coming from all over the United States and the world to participate. 

“It shows that, first and foremost, the word’s getting out about our programs, like First Steps and Smooth Transitions, and that people are wanting to be a part of what we’re doing here. And so, what it tells me is that, yes, love it, that we’re building that sense of community, building that sense of belonging,” Calhoun said. 

Being a first-generation student herself, Calhoun has been able to experience a lot of the same issues faced by this new generation, and she hopes the center can be a resource for students undergoing the same things. 

“I know that sometimes coming to college campuses and just in general, you’ve developed that sense of independence. You’re on your own. And so you’re like, ‘how do I do this where do I go?’ All of that,” Calhoun said. “And so, it’s knowing that there are people there who are going through the same things you’ve gone through- the same challenges and barriers- and can help you navigate those challenges and barriers, but also there’s a friend away from your friends that you have developed back in your hometown.” 

On top of other programming, the THRIVE Center is launching a fully fleshed-out Arrupe Scholars program, designed to help first-generation students and first-years who were unable to attend any of the pre-orientation programming. 

“Arrupe Scholars is just a way for us to help more students, to help those that are not part of our pre-orientation programs,” she said. “So, with this program, we hope to be able to connect them with the resources. Again, let them know that the THRIVE Center is here for them, and that they will have mentors that they can connect with and talk with.” 

Calhoun seems most of all excited about this new opportunity and is looking to make an impact on this campus and on all of its students. 

“I’m excited. I’ve been here for almost three months now. I’m excited for what has happened and excited for the journey ahead.”