47 Golden Guides recognized for impact on prospective students' experience
Student leaders support 390 campus visits during the fall semester
47 Golden Guides were recognized for their impact on prospective students and families visiting Alvernia University during the Fall 2025 semester. As student ambassadors within the Undergraduate Admissions Office, Golden Guides serve as some of the first points of connection for visitors, shaping meaningful first impressions through personalized campus tours and authentic student perspectives.
“As some of the first faces prospective students and families encounter on campus, Golden Guides play a critical role in shaping first impressions,” Autumn DeCosmo, Undergraduate Admissions Counselor. “The Admissions Office is grateful for their dedication, and their contributions to strengthening and growing the Alvernia community do not go unnoticed.”
Throughout the fall semester, Golden Guides supported 390 total campus visits, averaging approximately 120 visits per month. Of the 113 visit surveys completed, 84 visitors rated their experience as excellent, indicating the program's strong impact on prospective students and families.
“Our Golden Guides join the program because of the experience they had throughout the undergraduate admission process at Alvernia,” said Katie Ayala-Hernandez, Undergraduate Admissions Counselor. “They serve as guides to foster a welcoming environment and share the opportunities, resources, and community that define the Alvernia experience.”
Feedback from prospective students and families highlights the personal connections Golden Guides create during campus visits. Surveys describe guides to be enthusiastic, friendly, and respectful, with visitors noting how comfortable they felt asking questions and learning about Alvernia.
Golden Guides offer campus tours to prospective students and their families, as well as to alumni, faculty, and staff candidates. In addition to leading tours, these student ambassadors support the Undergraduate Admissions Office by assisting with event scheduling, office operations, and outreach to families and alumni.
“Being a Golden Guide has shaped my experience by allowing me to meet different students and departments and help me discover who I am as a person,” said first-year Golden Guide, Annabelle Ferreira ‘29. I hope students feel welcome and inspired, and that they leave our school finding something they love.”
Founded in 1998, the Golden Guides program has evolved alongside the university and continues to thrive as a cornerstone of the campus visit experience. Selected for their embodiment of Alvernia University’s core values and Golden Wolf pride, Golden Guides remain dedicated to welcoming future members of the Alvernia community and sharing what makes the university feel like home.
“Being a Golden Guide means a lot to me,” said second-year Golden Guide, Quincy Esannason-Campbell ‘27, DPT'29. “I feel like I play a huge role in the admissions process and make a great impact on prospective students. This role teaches me a lot about the inner workings of a university and shows just how much work goes into making a place like Alvernia great.”