Sterling College looks forward to hosting its annual Junior Preview Day on Mar. 23, just days after the college returns from spring break. The invited students have the opportunity to tour the campus so they can learn more about Sterling College. No matter their interests, each student is given the choice to explore the potential opportunities offered at Sterling.
The faculty at Sterling College is more than ready for the day, especially Mitzi Suhler, the
Vice President for Enrollment Services and Director of Financial Aid here at the college. For students that take the opportunity to discuss financial aid during thier visit, Suhler will be offering direct meetings and find the best financial plans for each student.
“We want them to experience the atmosphere and learn about the educational opportunities that Sterling College can offer. We, also, want them to walk away knowing that our mission is to ‘develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith’ and have a little fun along the way,” Suhlur said.
There are expected to be 35 students on campus for the event, all of which will experience the day-to-day lives of a college student. This includes spending time in a class of their expected major, attending chapel, and eating in the cafeteria.
“The students will be here on a Wednesday, so they will get to experience chapel. I hope the auditorium is packed so that they can experience it at its best,” Suhler said.
Many of the students are dedicated chapel goers, including sophomore Sierra Vicze. Vicze is excited about the event because it brings what she said “all-around good things.”
“Not only does the chapel have guest speakers and great music, but the cafeteria will have good choices as well. The college thinks it’s presenting to the guests, but in reality, it’s spoiling all of us as well,” said Vicze.
Among the campus tours, athletes will also get the opportunity to meet with the coaches on campus. This not only ensures their investment in their education but also the continuation of physical activities as well.
“We will evaluate the interest of the students who are coming and tailor the tour to their interests, but we want the students to experience the whole college,” Suhler said.
Some players are hoping to include visiting athletes to join their practices, including sophomore Jared Price.
“Swimming just finished our season, so if anyone was interested we could invite them into the pool. It’s nice to build that team bonding atmosphere with the visitors because you don’t get to do that a lot in season,” said Price.
As for the college students returning to their class schedules, they’ll get to see some new faces around campus. While it might make the lunch lines a bit longer, college students shouldn’t expect a huge change to their day.
“Our current students have the most impact on visitors, so we would ask that they greet them on the sidewalks with a friendly hello or smile. This is an opportunity to tell others who might consider an education at Sterling College what you, as a current student, love about being here,” Suhler said.
That won’t be a challenge for Vicze, who is looking comfortable with the visitors on campus.
“I remember how important it was for me during my visit that the college students said hello and talked to me. The community felt so tight and loving, so I hope to provide that same comfort to the student visitors,” said Vicze.
Sterling College Observer 