PC rolls out the welcome mat during Accepted Student Day
A spectacular spring day at Presbyterian College was a perfect backdrop for last Saturday’s annual Accepted Student Day.
Hundreds of guests, including accepted students and their families, were on campus for the big event, which featured live music, breakout informational sessions, an academic and student organization fair, campus tours, food trucks, enthusiastic company – and kilts.
Clad in PC’s trademark tartan, president Dr. Matthew vandenBerg told future students that becoming a Blue Hose is a “one-of-a-kind” experience aimed at helping young people learn to adapt to an ever-changing world. A liberal arts education from PC, he said, is an “insurance policy” that prepares graduates to solve problems, be creative, relate to diverse groups of people, and think and communicate clearly.
President vandenBerg outlined the college’s goal to become America’s premier liberal arts college for creativity, real-world problem-solving, and “outrageous” service.
“That’s what makes us different,” he said. “We start with that point of focus. Wherever you go or whatever line of work you enter, PC gets you reading to make the world a better place.”
He also said PC is working to become the nation’s most fun and socially engaging small college by pointing out two new initiatives to create a student-designed study and social hub in downtown Clinton and the purchase and renovation of the historic Capitol Theatre in Laurens for films, live performances, and esports.
While Greg and Jennifer Cook’s daughter, Caroline, is still weighing her options, they all agree that PC’s intimate size and friendly atmosphere are pluses.
Caroline, who is interested in pharmacy and acrobatics and tumbling, said she also enjoyed meeting her peers who are coming to or interested in PC, as well as current students, faculty, and staff.
The Cooks also were impressed by the campus.
“It’s a stunning campus,” said Greg Cook. “I did not know what it looked like and didn’t have any expectations but they’ve exceeded anything I would have thought of. I mean, it’s just beautiful.”
Halie Cohen and Jake Cannon are high school seniors from Columbia who are coming to PC this fall.
They are both interested in the college’s post-graduate science programs and impressed by its academic reputation. But even though they were already “sold” on PC, they welcomed Accepted Students Day as an opportunity to engage with other students, faculty, and staff.
“We love the people who work here,” Cohen said. “We got to talk to a lot of them today and meet some of the students we will be going to school with.”
Cannon agreed.
“I took a one-on-one tour with an admissions counselor before,” he said. “I just fell in love with the campus. I was a little nervous before about meeting other students but after meeting some of them today, I know PC is a good fit for me.”
Vice president for enrollment Woody O’Cain said Accepted Student Day is one of his favorite days on campus.
“This business is all about relationships, in getting to know each and every student, while connecting them with the greater PC community,” he said. “Seeing all of the faces of the students and their families is such a treat. The great thing about recruiting students to PC is that the relationship doesn’t stop when they enroll. It is just the beginning. Once you sign up to be a Blue Hose, you are making a decision that will positively impact the rest of your life.”