September 28, 2001: Volume 53, Number 4

Dianne Crozier: helping young people `find the right fit'

Dianne Crozier, the College's director of admissions, is the kind of admissions recruiter that parents of college-searching children love.

A mother of three grown children, she speaks from experience.

She wasn't perfect at first, she admits: she pushed too hard at times or got too involved. But eventually, she mastered the art of what she calls "helping (my child) find the right fit without having it be my choice."

Recalling her oldest daughter's search, Crozier says, "Eventually, she was going to make a choice and it was going to be hers. I gained new respect for her as a young adult, and it gave me a great perspective."

It also helped her discover an affinity for guiding young people - and their parents - through the college search.

So, by the time Cindy Crozier was packing for college, her mother was off to join Union's admissions team. That was 20 years ago. Since then, she has guided thousands of students - including two more of her own - through the admissions process.

"Going to the fanciest school in the country may not be the best match," Crozier warns many parents. "If they can just back down and let their kids see the best match, it will work out fine."

When Crozier tells her story to parents, there is an instant bonding. "We become kind of best friends," she says. "I enjoy talking to parents. I can stand up in front of a group of them and speak from my own experience."

Crozier received the "Distinguished Service Award" last spring from the New York State Association for College Admissions Counseling. She was cited for her efforts in professional development and mentoring of young professionals.

College admissions - and Union's effort - have changed dramatically since she became one of six counselors in the Union College admissions office. There are now 10 counselors in Grant Hall.

<< Previous Story Pianist Claude Frank opens...

Next Story >> Mosquera visits Cuba and Chile