WSU News Archive

By Tallie Mattson, WSU News intern

 

 

PULLMAN, Wash. – In an effort to create a more talented and diverse student body at Washington State University, the second annual African American Scholars event will be held this weekend, Feb. 17-19. The event is a visitation program for high school seniors and transfer students who have been offered admission to WSU.

 

The invitation-only weekend will give participants a first-hand look at what WSU has to offer and the opportunity to meet faculty, staff and other WSU students. About 70 students and 50 parents are planning to attend.

The African American Scholars event is one of many outreach programs for prospective students of color.

 

"It is worth the investment,” said Milton Lang, senior associate vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment. "We will roll out the red carpet and showcase our faculty, staff, WSU and its students.”

 

The weekend will provide students from throughout Washington state the opportunity to visit WSU and consider it as a place to attend.

Out of the 40 students who attended last year, 75-80 percent enrolled at WSU in fall 2011.

 

Students are selected based on application and admittance to WSU. They are invited to attend the event based on efforts by Lang and WSU’s outreach specialists.

 

Christina Sessoms, a freshman political science major, attended last year with her mom. Sessoms appreciated the atmosphere, community and resources available to her at WSU. Her mom, a University of Washington alumna, wanted Christina to experience the community that WSU has to offer, she said.

 

"The staff and volunteers at the event really did help me make my decision in coming to WSU,” Sessoms said.

 

The goal of the program is to inspire, encourage and empower students to seek WSU for their higher education and career aspirations, Lang said.

 

Freshman business major Bruce Jones said: "I recommend students to take advantage of this opportunity. I’d hope they really take into consideration what WSU is trying to convey and figure out if this is the place for them.”

 

Jones chose WSU because of its great business program, inviting community and campus.

"The event allowed me to make friends that I’m still close with,” he said. "That helps a lot when coming to a new place.”

 

Sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment, the weekend will include workshops for students and parents, tours of WSU, a men’s basketball game and a banquet - which will include student testimonies. Students and parents will hear from faculty, staff, Student Involvement and the Office of Multicultural Student Services. They will hear presentations about academic programs, college life and more, Lang said.

Contact:
Milton Lang, senior associate vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment, 509-335-3574, mlang1@wsu.edu

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