Our St Andrews story: the Witeck family
Chris and Kim Witeck support the Making Waves Campaign as Founder Donors to ‘New College’ and joined the University’s Family Programme when their daughter, Caroline, matriculated three years ago. They told us how being part of that community keeps them connected with St Andrews despite the distance between the town and their home in the US.
Our family’s connection with St Andrews began when our daughter, Caroline, received her acceptance letter. It was a moment of pure joy that marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Shortly after, we decided to visit the University before making a final decision. That first glimpse of St Andrews left us speechless – the iconic centuries-old buildings, students animating the historic streets, and the rhythmic waves crashing against the iconic pier…all during sunny, 18°C days which we had heard were a bit rare.
We were also struck by how this ancient town pulsed with youthful energy while maintaining its timeless charm. Caroline fell in love instantly, and our family knew this special place would be her home for the next four years. Months later, coming from the Washington, DC area, we experienced a mixture of pride and natural parental concern as we drove through those same streets on move-in day, the medieval towers rising against the backdrop of the North Sea.
Those first parent orientation events provided through the Family Programme gave us much-needed reassurance. Meeting other families facing similar transitions created an immediate sense of community, while the University staff’s warm welcome demonstrated the supportive environment Caroline would be joining. The adjustment period had its challenges – the distance required patience from all of us – but St Andrews quickly began to feel like a second home.
As parents, the Family Programme has kept us connected in meaningful ways. Regular updates about University developments and special events during our visits have made us feel included in the St Andrews community despite the geographical distance.
What captivates us about St Andrews is its sense of community, combined with a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. The town itself is magical – cobblestone streets, cathedral ruins, famous golf courses, and stunning coastal walks create an unparalleled university setting. We’ve come to cherish our visits and the opportunities to witness first-hand the setting for traditions like the Gaudie and May Dip (plunging into the North Sea at dawn on 1 May) that Caroline has come to cherish. We have gained a deep appreciation for these unique rituals that bond the student community.
Our decision to support the Making Waves Campaign as Founder Donors to ‘New College’ emerged naturally from seeing how Caroline has simply thrived after a difficult pandemic period for us all. Simply put, St Andrews completely transformed Caroline’s outlook and ambitions, and the University’s vision for enhancing this experience, including by adding innovative spaces for interdisciplinary learning, resonated with our belief in education that breaks down traditional barriers between fields of study.
What began as the choice of a single student has evolved into a multigenerational connection to an institution that balances academic excellence with a really profound sense of community. Through traditions old and new, St Andrews has given our family experiences that will enrich our lives long after graduation day.
This article was kindly contributed by the Witeck family for our Family Programme newsletter, LINK.