LBCC hosts its' 13th annual College Night

Entering college can always be a stressful event, figuring out what classes to take, the over hanging thought of what major should be settled upon and how to be involved with the campus. It can be overwhelming to attend a new school and trying to find how to get into the swing of it.

There’s always a multitude of questions that are asked when dealing with a new experience as big as getting a higher education.

What is my major? Who do I talk to about taking the right courses? How does financial aid work? What is the tutition cost?

At Linn-Benton Community College, they strive to make all newcomers feel at peace with figuring out schedules and classroom locations, not to mention making everyone feel more at home when joining college for the first time. 

Every year LBCC hosts an "open house" event called, College Night.

This year was their 13th annual College Night for approaching students and their families. It is organized in a way that people can meet some of the instructors on campus. There was also a handful of tables set up for some of the clubs that are offered to join on campus.

There was free pizza offered to everyone, campus tours were given to anyone interested in learning the physical aspect of the campus, along with information sessions.

Zoe Alley, a student at Linn-Benton, attended the event, was happy to give her input on it.

"I love the energy and excitement here," said Alley, "Everyone here is so excited about pictures, dancing, singing, learning even math.  The energy is infectious."

Students and their families poured into the event. There were groups of people eagerly waiting to obtain information from all the tables in order to insure an successful transition into college. Staff and faculty waited around their tables ready to answer any questions.

Over the years College Night has become more and more popular for incoming freshman. This year was one of the biggest turnouts the college has had. However, there were a few suggestions for improvement for the location. This year it was held upstairs in the commons area. 

Juan Pattieshaw, an incoming freshman in college, wants to be a criminal justice major and he really enjoyed his first visit to the college, although it was a little crowded for him.

The Linn-Benton Dance Club even stopped by and gave a quick flash mob performance for the event. They had been practicing secretly around campus. The mob included students and even a few faculty and staff members.

"I thought it was amazing to watch," said Megan Messin, a parent of two of the dancers in the mob, "everyone in the group had a lot of energy and smiles, and it was hilarious to watch the crowds faces in the beginning."  

During College Night students and their parents learned about a wide variety of opportunites offered at the college, some including: programs of study, financial aid,  scholarships and degree partnership programs with OSU (Oregon State University) and OIT (Oregon Institute of Technology).

There was also a brief discussion over their special admissions programs and disablitlies accomodations for those who need it.

Remington Brandenburg, a former student, has been away from school for 10 years and thought this was a great opportunity to see what LBCC had to offer.  He will definitely be here next year.

Come join us next year for College Night. It is one of the best ways to meet a lot of new people, and to become familiar with the campus, the school and what it has to offer. There are lists of helpful information, friendly faces and a uplifting atmosphere.