Valley College hosted its first in-person College Fest event in over two years
By Sean Scully, Staff Writer
People tour the various tables of colleges that have been set up for College Fest 2022 at Valley College in Valley Glen, California, on September 17. (Griffin O'Rourke | Valley Star)
As 60 schools from all over the country set up at Valley for College Fest, Monarch Mascot Leo the Lion welcomed students who poured onto the campus excited to take their academic careers to the next level.
Valley College hosted representatives from University of California , California State University , private colleges, and out-of-state schools last Saturday on the North Mall Lawn next to Monarch Square. Workshops on admissions, financial aid, system overviews, foster youth and special programs were also available.
“We really want to connect with as many students as we can and provide them with any helpful information they might need,” said Jeanette Maduena, an academic counselor from Pierce College. “It was a bummer we didn’t have one in-person last year. I’ve attended several of these in the past and it was great to see this campus come to life again.”
Students and attendants had the opportunity to connect with schools from all over the country and learn valuable information that could advance their academic careers in any field.
“There was a great turnout this year,” said Admissions Director Samuel Lang of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services, “We are a section that is out-of-state and sometimes attendance is a lot lighter. But the students that came over to us definitely seemed motivated and driven which was great to see.”
Financial aid opportunities and services for students were also present in order to provide resources to further assist anyone in their quest for academic success. The Rainbow Pride Center increased LGBTQ+ visibility on campus and provided students with a safe space to not only be who they are but to thrive. The Extended Opportunities Program and Services strived to assist eligible alumni who have historically experienced economic and educational challenges.
Friendly staff members walking around College Fest were ready to provide additional answers and insight to attendees. They were also in charge of assisting the Monarch mascot with meet and greets from 9:30 to 11:30.
While dancing to KVCM Monarch Radio and welcoming guests, Leo the Lion brought a splash of energy to the event. The school mascot heightened the family atmosphere by taking pictures and creating fun-filled memories for anyone in attendance.
As the 2022 College Fest came to an end and students talked among themselves, hope and excitement for the future lingered at the center of Valley.
Valley’s president Barry Gribbons was also in attendance and personally engaged with students to talk about their academic goals.
“What’s really wonderful about this year is the sheer number of colleges and universities at this event,” Gribbons enlightened, “We have over 60 that came out today and it was an absolutely wonderful turnout.”