JEREMY WECHSLER Frank Kuan, the new director of community services, brings years of experience and loads of enthusiasm to his new position.

Kuan Brings Experience to Wes By Sarah Levin Staff Writer Like this year’s frosh, Frank Kuan, the new director of community services, is embarking on his first year at Wesleyan. Kuan’s move to Wesleyan occurred just after acting director of community services Christina DeJesus took a position as the assistant dean of student services this year. Kuan became involved in the Middletown community six years ago, working as a counselor at Middlesex Community Technical College and coordinating the Connecticut State Employee’s Campaign in conjunction with the United Way.

Kuan graduated from California State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s in counseling, with a focus in career development.

"As a sophomore in college, I volunteered in the advising office so I could get access to classes," Kuan said. "I was an orientation leader and peer advisor. I was a pre-med biology major, but then I got a degree in counseling. So I would still be helping individuals."

"About a year ago, I saw in The Middletown Press that Main Street was looking for volunteers. I saw a lot of value that Middletown has to offer, so I got involved in the organizational committee to solicit volunteers for the program," Kuan said.

Despite his new responsibilities as director, Kuan is still involved in a variety of community service activities including Clean Sweep Middletown and the Spirit of Middletown Festival.

"My reasons to be a volunteer are to give something back to the community where I live, and to make connections," Kuan said. "I want to encourage students to do the same, to enhance their skills and abilities by doing service work so they can connect with someone in the community."

Kuan also said he intends to identify more programs that would appeal to students and to make students aware of the various needs of the community in order to raise program participation.

"Wesleyan tends to be a very self serving place to be, because you’re here to get your education...but it’s nice to do something that makes everyone else happy," said Shanna Handel ’99, co-coordinator of the Traverse Square after-school program.

Handel said that she is impressed with the number of students involved with community service, and the awareness that students have of community service opportunities.

According to Kuan, approximately 70-80% of Wesleyan students participate in some form of community service activities. The community service office has already been referring students to available projects.

Kuan said the most common request is for tutoring and working with children, although interests vary widely.

"It’s nice to go and be in another context where there’s people of different ages who don’t have the same sort of lifestyles," Handel said.

According to Kuan, community service is a good opportunity to explore career aspirations.

"We want to support student interests to provide bridges for a good learning experience," Kuan said.

Kuan cited the example of Karen Horwitz ’98, who in her senior year was an intern for the Main Street Middletown project. According to Kuan, she is now the manager of a New Hampshire community service program.

"[Community service] is a great resume builder," Kuan said. "It helps with career decisions."

Kuan added that most Wesleyan students are continuing a tradition of service, not simply trying to build up their resumes.

"I can’t underscore enough that the tradition [of servitude] is so strong at this University," he said. "The students I’ve come in contact with seem extremely motivated to serve and volunteer. I’m fortunate to work in this sort of environment."