11/10/2007 - Fall '07 Scholarship Day a success in more ways than one

At a time when most high school students are still looking forward to the homecoming football game and the senior prom, a select few already have a foot in the door on the college decision-making process by taking part in Judson College’s fall Scholarship / Visitation Day held last Saturday.

This year’s Scholarship Day attracted some 79 prospective students, slightly more than the Scholarship Day held at the same time last fall. In what some representatives from the Admissions Department described as “a whirlwind” week, Judson received two confirmations from new students over the weekend for a grand total of 15 early confirmations for those planning to attend in the fall of 2008.

“What a wonderful day we had Saturday,” said Charlotte S. Clements (’77), Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid. “The weather could not have been more perfect, everyone I had contact with was upbeat and excited, everyone looked lovely and to top it off, we received 35 applications for the week!”

According to Clements, three of the seven or so Judson recruiters exceeded their goal of having 27 or more students apply by Saturday, and two other recruiters came very close to the goal. In order for prospective students to take the Scholarship test offered Saturday, they had to first apply to the school.

A few prospects that showed up late Friday were given a special treat that night, when the drama department performed Director Don Speed’s outdoor adaptation of “The Gift of the Magi.” Hot chocolate was served in the Student Center following that.

Registration for Saturday began bright and early at 8 a.m. From there, testing ensued in the dining hall for an hour. According to Admissions Department Office Manager Leah Washburn, a total of 66 high school seniors and transfer students took the test.

Judson’s Faith Ensemble provided music in the Ramsay-McCrummen Chapel after testing, performing “God is Our Refuge,” and “Many Gifts, One Spirit.” Dr. Sara Kiser, Professor of Business and Interim Academic Dean gave an overview of academic areas to be introduced and Judson President Dr. David Potts gave everyone a warm welcome.

Afterwards, prospects, most accompanied by their parents, were split into six different groups according to what they planned to major in. Judson ambassadors and admissions counselors accompanied each group to first a 45 minute session with professors from their chosen major, a financial aid session, a lunch of turkey and dressing served by the Judson Dining Hall, and a rotational tour of the campus.

“Scholarship Day is beneficial for perspective students,” said Admissions Counselor Tara Sprewell (’05), who helped with those students in the Social Sciences group. “It allows them to catch a glimpse of the committed faculty and staff hard at work.”

Special this year to Scholarship Day, was the IHSA Horse Show ongoing across campus in the new equine arena. Four colleges from across the country competed against Judson’s equestrian riders and prospective students were shuttled back and forth to the arena throughout the day so they could glimpse the team in action. A wrap-up session followed in the Alumnae Auditorium with door prizes.

According to Washburn, 23 prospects were present for the athletic tryouts. Nine tried out for softball with eight trying out for volleyball. All other sports had a total of two prospects show up for tryouts, including soccer – a sport to be offered for the very first time at Judson in the fall of 2008. A total of seven auditioned in the Music Department.

Prospective student, Aretha Williams, 17, of Phenix City, Ala., said she was very impressed with the campus and the things that are offered at the school.

"Judson is a home away from home,” Williams said. “The college is very cozy and it isn’t too big or too small. I have enjoyed every moment of my stay here.”

Williams, who plans to major in secondary education at Judson in the fall of ’08, said she found out about Judson through an online college search and that the visit was a life changing experience for her.

“Judson has definitely spoiled me,” Williams said. “I love it here.”

Amber Fortune, 18, of Laurel Hill, Fla., said she learned about the school from a college fair.

“I plan to major in religion,” Fortune said. “The people at Judson were very friendly and I liked the rural setting of the campus.”

Judson’s next Scholarship / Visitation Day will be Feb. 2, 2008. Those interested in learning more about Judson College or how to apply can check out the Admissions Department website located on Judson’s homepage.

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