Over 2,500 prospective students and their families gathered at Alabama State University for the Connection Day event Nov. 16. Staff, students and faculty helped showcase the campus and its community through tours, a student-led panel and sessions on admissions and financial aid. The Mighty Marching Hornets electrified the audience with a live performance, while attendees explored academic programs, student organizations and college resources.

The university capped off the day by inviting guests to experience Hornet pride with free admission to the Alabama State University vs. Jackson State University football game.

For Mariah Shirley, a student attending Shades Valley High School in Birmingham, Alabama, Connection Day was an opportunity to explore a campus she had long been curious about.

“I’ve always been interested in ASU, but I didn’t know much about it. I thought Connection Day would be a good way to get information,” Shirley said. “I love it, it’s a nice-sized campus, not too big or small. They took us by the buildings, and I want to major in secondary education. They told me the program here is good, and my principal went here for that.”

Asiah Skinner, a freshman at Shades Valley High School, felt a personal connection to the university from a young age.  “I wanted to come to Connection Day because my parents went here, and I’ve always wanted to go here since I was little,” Skinner said.

Students also noted the unique atmosphere and welcoming environment on campus. Madison Marizette, a senior from Greensboro High School in Greensboro, Alabama, attended Connection Day to further explore the university, a school she is already drawn to because of its dancers and band.

“I like the dancers and the band,” Marizette said. With family ties to the university, she appreciates the fun and excitement the university offers, especially during games. “I came to Connection Day to have more fun with the school and the people,” she said. Marizette plans to focus on dance if she attends the university and encourages other students to visit. “This is a fun school to go to,” she said. “Connection Day is a great way to tour the campus and learn more about the school.”

Connection Day offered more than just music and academic insights. Lashawnte Thomas, a junior at Carroll County School District, saw Connection Day as an opportunity to discover new possibilities and future opportunities.  “I feel like for some people who don’t know what they want to do when they get older, it’s a great place to explore options,” Thomas said. “I saw a great table for engineering, and I’m really into engineering and robotics.”

With its vibrant campus and welcoming spirit, the university left a lasting impression on students like Kyla Chesney, a senior from Austin-East High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. Chesney made the trip to Connection Day because the university is her top college choice.

“This is my third time coming here, and I’ve really enjoyed it,” Chesney said. “Out of all the schools I’ve been to, like North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and other big schools, they didn’t really get my attention like this one.”

Aspiring to major in forensics, Chesney highlighted the excitement of seeing current students and peers who are also considering attending the university. “It made me excited to see other kids on campus, especially those graduating with me who are thinking about coming here too,” she said.

Ariq Chatman, a junior from Abbeville High School, attended Connection Day to explore the opportunities at the university. “I thought it would be very interesting to see what opportunities are available here, and I thought it would be cool to go,” Chatman said. Her favorite part of the day was the orientation in the auditorium, particularly watching the cheerleaders. “It just made me want to come here,” she said. Chatman was also impressed by the campus architecture and scenery, calling it “really cute.” With aspirations to study psychology, she believes Connection Day could benefit her college experience. “I feel like it would help me improve myself, especially after hearing people talk about how it helped them become who they wanted to be.”