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by EDWARD SZTUKOWSKI
News Reporter
Prospective students and their parents met Saturday morning for Spring Open House at the Holmes Convocation Center. Open house consists of an information fair at the convocation center, as well as guided tours through campus.
Approximately 5,000 people attended the event, which opened with a speech from Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Stan Aeschelman and current Student Government Association President David F. Mofford.
After a short introductory video showcasing activities around the university such as snowboarding and playing music, Appalachian’s a capella group “Extension Cords” burst into song, followed by the basketball band.
 John Scarlata (r), the head of the Technical Photography Department, explains the goals of the courses in the department to an attendee at the Appalachian State University Spring Open House held Saturday. Photo by Holt Menzies
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“So many
prospective students and their families were extremely impressed with
Appalachian and all of the degree programs offered,” associate director
of Admissions Elena Taylor said. “They were all quite impressed with
our brief entertainment given by “Extension Chords,” ASU’s only a co-ed
a capella group, and by the ASU basketball band. Many were clapping
along when the band played ASU’s favorites.”
Zack
Plum and his mother Karen were attending their second open house at the
university, hoping to make the choice between Appalachian State
University and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill easier.
“He
really likes the school. Everyone has been so helpful here,” Karen Plum
said. “We asked students directions to see how they would respond and
everyone was incredibly helpful and friendly.”
The Plums had few complaints about the open house, and lauded Appalachian students for their school spirit.
“Students seem to have a sense of pride in wanting to be here,” Karen said. “And I can see why.”
Kelsey
Gaude, who is attending Appalachian in the fall, said the foreign
language booth was impressive, and the club area was notable as well.
While
the crowd was lively at the event, Jon Beebe, a professor of the Hayes
School of Music, felt the crowd was thinner than last year.
“The
numbers seem to be down a little, but we’re still seeing a pretty even
balance between music majors and people who just want to participate in
the ensemble,” Beebe said. “Its still worth our while to be here.”
Taylor said the event was the largest Spring Open House ever hosted, and felt the event was successful.
“Overall,
the open house accomplished her goal, which is to make our prospective
students and their families feel welcome and important,” Taylor said.
“For those accepted students who visited, we had many drop off their
deposits for fall, stating that Appalachian’s [Spring] Open House far
surpassed the quality of other open houses they had visited.”
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