Dr. Eric Walter and Elizabeth Walter have been named the inaugural chairs of Molloy University’s newly established Family Leadership Council (FLC), a new initiative designed to strengthen connections among families, students, and the University community. The FLC aims to create meaningful opportunities for families to engage with Molloy through campus events, conversations with University leadership, and initiatives that support the student experience both inside and outside the classroom. As inaugural chairs, the Walters will work collaboratively with other student family members and University administrators to help shape the council’s future and build a welcoming, connected community for Molloy families!
For the Walter family, Molloy already held a special place in their memories long before their daughter, Emma “Grace” Walter, began her first year as a Lion.
“We are fortunate because Molloy is so close to our home,” the Walters shared. “Elizabeth took some postgraduate classes at Molloy, and Grace’s grandparents both worked at Molloy years ago, so it has always been a point of reference in our home.”
When Grace began her college search, the family focused on finding a university where she would feel supported, connected, and most importantly, known as an individual. “Grace wanted to attend a college where she could feel she was part of a community,” they explained. “She wanted to be more than just a student ID number in the eyes of the university she attended.”
That sense of community became clear during the family’s first visit to campus. “It was a beautiful day, and we had a knowledgeable and humorous tour guide. We all loved the vibrancy on campus,” the Walters recalled. “We did other college tours after our visit to Molloy, but we kept feeling like it was the right fit for Grace.”
After finding her place at Molloy, Grace has continued to thrive both academically and personally. According to her parents, she has grown more confident in advocating for herself and communicating with professors, while also maturing as a student in many ways. “As parents, it has been wonderful to watch,” they shared.
Inspired by their family’s experience at Molloy, the Walters were eager to become involved with the University in a deeper way through the FLC. “We were so inspired to become part of this initiative in order to be a part of a place that supports students,” they said. While they admitted they were initially a bit apprehensive when approached about serving as the inaugural chairs, they say the opportunity is exciting and has already been rewarding and meaningful.
Looking ahead, the Walters hope the council becomes a welcoming resource for families across the Molloy community. “Our vision for the Council is to work collaboratively with various members of the Molloy administration and other family members,” they explained. “We hope that we can provide a different perspective on ways to support students on campus.”
Through the council, Molloy hopes to encourage families to become more engaged with the University while helping parents better understand the many opportunities available to students throughout their college experience.
As the FLC begins its work, the Walters are especially excited to connect with other families and encourage greater involvement across campus. “We hope that this will inspire other families to become aware of all the ways students can embrace becoming a part of the Molloy community,” they said. “There are so many wonderful cultural, athletic, and educational events that families can take advantage of.” They encourage other families to become involved and experience firsthand everything Molloy has to offer. “Becoming involved is a great way to learn everything that Molloy has to offer to students,” they shared.
With the Walters helping lead the way, the FLC will lay the foundation for meaningful partnerships between families and the University while supporting the success of Molloy students for years to come.
Looking for ways to connect with the Molloy community? Learn more about the Family Leadership Council and discover upcoming events and opportunities to get involved!