By Ali Napoli
Contributing Writer
The University hosted its annual Admitted Student Open House Activities Fair on Saturday, April 21 in Gerhard Fieldhouse. Most student clubs and activities attended the fair, which set up stations to allow the fall’s incoming first-years to browse what they could potentially be a part of next year.
“Admitted Student Open House is the most significant activity the University undertakes to help potential members of the incoming class see why Bucknell is the best choice for their college experience,” Dean of Admissions Robert Springall said. “Our role in Admissions is to facilitate the day.”
The University expected 500 families to attend, so food and refreshments were provided to accommodate that estimate. The clubs and activities present ranged from LARPing to club sports to musical groups.
“Admitted Students Day was a great opportunity to interact with the upcoming class. The Activities Fair was packed, and all the new kids were very excited to be Bucknellians. As a tour guide, I got to really meet the kids and show them their soon-to-be home,” Asha Harvey ’15 said. “Parents were really interested, asking many questions about the dorms and such. I also got the opportunity to really show the kids the Arts Residential [College] halls which was so nice because that is what I am a part of on campus. I got to show them the ins and outs and where I live. The day and fair just proved how well-rounded Bucknell is, and how the incoming students have such an array of activities to chose from.”
Other tour guides shared similar views.
The activities fair started at 11:45 a.m. and ended at 1 p.m., giving students more than enough time to browse their interests and enjoy a light lunch. Numerous faculty and upperclassmen were present to meet and greet the new soon-to-be first-year students.
“It is the people from every academic department, our student life and co-curricular programs, and 100 student organizations who really welcome and inform prospective students and their families. The stories of Bucknellians at their best is the heart of the day’s event, and those stories are often why students who come to this event choose to enroll here,” Springall said.