Road Scholars Hit the Road Again

The Road Scholars team is on the road again, this month for two more evening-only versions along the Wasatch Front Jan. 25-26, and another all-day, full-scale event in Preston, Idaho, Feb. 2.

 

The focus as in previous successful Road Scholars Tours is on student recruitment. But an additional emphasis this time will be on involving Utah State alumni in the action, and the university is making an effort to get alumni to the evening events.

 

“These open houses are a chance for alumni to see what still makes Utah State the great place it was when they were here,” said Jenn Putnam, associate director for recruitment. “We’re bringing the entire team down, including President Albrecht, so people can ask questions and talk with representatives from every college and support unit on campus.”

 

President Albrecht and other university administrators will attend events in Provo, Sandy and Preston. Also present will be representatives from all seven colleges, Admissions, Financial Aid, Advising, Housing and Dining Services and other support organizations. USU Admissions will award scholarships on-site to high school seniors (official transcript must be present). University Alumni chapter board members will hand out scholarship applications for the local Aggie Alumni Legacy scholarships. And, last but certainly not least, Aggie Ice cream is on the menu for all who come.

 

“First and foremost we want prospective students and parents to join us – we’re there in force to answer their questions,” Putnam said. “But we really hope alumni will participate. No one can make a better case for Utah State University than those who lived the story. Our alumni, young and old alike, are the ones who can share the passion and excitement of the Utah State experience.”

 

Putnam said most successful major universities use alumni volunteers as one of their top recruitment tools.

 

“As nice as the pretty pictures and the brochures we send are, nothing is more powerful than personal stories from someone who has been there, done that,” she added. “We have thousands of proud alumni who can help us recruit the best students in the nation.”

 

Putnam said any alum interested in helping can get information at her office’s Web site. 

 

Events are scheduled for Jan. 25 in Provo, Jan. 26 in the Salt Lake City-area and Feb. 2 in Preston.

 

Jan. 25: Provo Library at Academy Square, 550 N. University Ave., Provo, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

 

Jan. 26: South Towne Expo Center, 9575 S. State, St., Sandy, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

 

Feb. 2: Preston, time and exact locations to be determined.

 

Kim Larson, director of chapters in USU Alumni Relations, said alumni are invited to come alone or they can bring the entire neighborhood.

 

“This will be a great opportunity for our alumni to see all the things that still make Utah State one of the premier universities in the region,” Larson said. “Representatives from all the academic units, all the support services and many top administrators, including President Albrecht, will be there to talk informally and answer questions.”

 

Larson said the Alumni Relations office hopes alumni will get involved in the recruiting process because no one is better qualified to talk about Utah State University’s strengths than people with personal stories to tell. The open houses will give USU graduates the chance to catch up on the latest chapter of the story in detail by talking with the people who are continuing the traditions today.

 

“We’re not bringing the buildings, but we are bringing the heart of the university – including Aggie ice cream,” she said. “It will be a fun and rewarding evening.”