Alabama State University presented its annual Fall Connection Day on Saturday, Sept. 30, by welcoming hundreds of high school and transfer students to check out the campus.
Conection Day is an opportunity for high school and transfer students to explore the university and to connect with professors and other students to learn what the university has to offer.
The day began with Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Freddie Williams, Ed.D., greeting the students, faculty and staff, as he recited a poem that grabbed the attention of everyone.
Williams then introduced President Quinton T. Ross Jr., Ed.D., who delivered encouragement and thanked the high school students for coming out to see what the university has to offer.
Ross encouraged students to become Hornets but shared that wherever they decided to attend, he knew that each and every individual would be successful.
During Connection Day, students learned about scholarships and the costs associated with obtaining a formal education at the university.
The Mighty Marching Hornets performed and gave the high school students a taste of their sound.
Students who experienced Connection Day received an opportunity to engage with a student led panel about life at the university and organizations around campus to gain valuable insights.
Students received a tour of the campus to visit the various residence halls and study areas with Student Orientation Service leaders.
Students also spoke to representatives from various academic and extracurricular interests.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Malinda Swoope, began to speak to students and give her reasons for why this university is the one for them and how it has shaped and improved many students around this campus.
Miss Alabama State University, Kayla Edwards, also spoke on behalf of the university. Edwards introduced herself and informed students why she likes the university, while encouraging other students to “join and view the world, accept challenges and grow from them.
Student Government Association President Landon Hale thanked the students for coming out and expressed to each student how he was looking forward to them becoming Hornets.
A guest speaker on the basketball team also shared his dreams and aspirations about wanting to be a coach for a college and shared with each student that “whatever they pick up and try to do, they need to conquer it.”
Kam’ron Watts said, “Connection Day was cool; I met new people.”
Falanado Jenkins agreed with Watts and said, “It was good. I enjoyed the event and touring the campus.”
Noah Hollinger said, “It was good. I learned a lot and the chance to come and tour was fine.”
Overall, Connection Day is a great way for students to interact with each other and get introduced to campus.