Noel Viramontes
“A one-of-a-kind student leader” – that’s how Director of Orientation Programs Tom Studdert describes Noel Viramontes, one of two new orientation coordinators for 2008-09.
Viramontes, a senior from Downey with a major in public relations and a minor in psychology, will assist with orientation advisor (OA) recruitment, selection and training. She will also supervise the OAs during summer orientation sessions and organize the spirit rally portion of orientation.
“Being involved in orientation is great because you get to watch new students have their first college experience,” she says. “They go from having that anxious deer-in-the-headlights look to just being excited to start a new stage of their lives.”
Viramontes has had a lot of experience with Orientation Programs – before becoming an orientation coordinator (OC), she served as both an OA and a session coordinator. “I really enjoyed my time as an OA because it brought me closer to people I wouldn’t have met otherwise,” says Viramontes. “I applied to be an OC so I could help incoming OAs have the same great experience I did.”
Describing Viramontes’ work, Studdert says,“ “During her two years in the office, she has proved to be not only a leader and mentor to her peers, but also someone the staff can turn to in a pinch. She knows how to get the job done and does it with care. As an OC, Noel will motivate the next group of OAs – and I have no doubt they will come to respect and love her like we all do.”
In addition to her OC role, Viramontes serves as a resident advisor for Cardinal Gardens, a board member for the Annenberg Latino Student Association and Nuestra Alma Latina, and a member of the Latino Student Assembly and Order of the Torch. She also helps the Office of Admission with diversity recruitment.
Viramontes recommends that all incoming students “do something during their time at USC besides just go to class.” “Everyone should go after what they want to do academically, but also get involved in things they’re interested in,” she says.