Maryville College invites prospective students to "Meet Maryville"

Oct. 22, 2009

High school students, adult learners and community college students who are planning to transfer to a four-year institution are all invited to “Meet Maryville” on Sat., Nov. 7.

Hosted by Maryville College’s Admissions staff, the “Meet Maryville” fall Open House event is designed to help people become more familiar with the nationally recognized liberal arts college. This year, the event coincides with the Fine Arts Showcase, Nov. 6 – 8.

“Meet Maryville” activities scheduled for Nov. 7

The “Meet Maryville” event begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. in Bartlett Hall. At 9 a.m., students will be divided into groups for the College’s “Alterna-tour,” a unique and fun alternative to the traditional college tour. Prospective students visit residence halls, campus hangouts and dining facilities, but also learn about classroom buildings, library resources and historic landmarks in an interactive and engaging way. The tour ends with a welcome session at 10:05 a.m. at Isaac’s Café, which is located in the Bartlett Hall Student Center.

The main information sessions, collectively entitled “Learning 24/7,” include information on academic programs from each academic division, the Maryville Curriculum and the College’s distinctive “learning by experience” programs (such as Mountain Challenge and the Center for Calling & Career). They will be held at various locations around campus beginning at 10:35 a.m. and will be led by MC faculty and staff members.

A lunch in Pearsons Hall is scheduled for 12:15 p.m., followed by a session with current MC students.

Wrap-up is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the Alumni Gymnasium which will include a performance by Off-Kilter, an auditioned ensemble of 8-12 singers.

Student-athletes are invited to Lawson Auditorium at 2 p.m. to ask questions about the College’s sports teams.

Also offered at 2 p.m., a Q & A session will be held in Bartlett Hall Atrium for students interested in majoring in the fine arts. A tour of the new $47-million Clayton Center for the Arts currently under construction is also scheduled.

Parents and family members of prospective students are encouraged to attend, but their morning agenda is slightly different from that of their students.

“Given the economic climate that students and families are facing right now, I believe it is even more imperative that families attend events like ‘Meet Maryville,’” said Bill Sliwa, the College’s vice president for enrollment. “Maryville College is committed to providing a quality, affordable education and has the resources necessary to assist families in their pursuit of higher education. Here, we are able to make financial aid decisions at the individual level and are not state-mandated in our aid policies. We want our students to stretch their minds and not their budgets.”

For more information or to register for “Meet Maryville,” please call 865.981.8092 or visit http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/admissions/events/meet-maryville/110709.asp.

Fine Arts Showcase highlighted

In addition to classroom visits, special parent sessions, Q&A with current students and MC’s signature “Alterna-Tour,” the fall “Meet Maryville” will highlight the fine and performing arts at MC.

The series of events kicks off at 7 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 6 in the Alumni Gymnasium and features student and faculty soloists, the MC Jazz Band and a scene from the theatre department’s production “String of Pearls.” A reception and art walk featuring student work will follow in the Bartlett Atrium.

On Saturday, the Invitational Choir Festival performance will be held at 6 p.m. in the Alumni Gymnasium. Participating schools include: Alcoa High School, Farragut High School, Heritage High School, Lenoir City High School, Powell High School and William Blount High School. A reception is scheduled from 7:15 until 8 p.m.

On Sunday, the Maryville College Concert Band will perform at 3 p.m. in the Alumni Gymnasium.

For more information about the Fine Arts Showcase, contact Stacey Wilner, coordinator of choral music at the College, at stacey.wilner@maryvillecollege.edu or 865.981.8151.

Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state's third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its academic rigor and its focus on the liberal arts, Maryville is where students come to stretch their minds, stretch themselves and learn how to make a difference in the world. Total enrollment for the fall 2009 semester is 1,103.