Maryville College’s Opportunities of a Lifetime Fair is Sept. 9

 Sept. 2, 2010
Contact: Karen B. Eldridge, Director of Communications
865.981.8207; karen.eldridge@maryvillecollege.edu

Maryville College senior Kylie Baumgart can remember being a shy freshman who was intimidated by being a new person in a new place.

During her first month on campus, she attended the College’s Opportunities of a Lifetime Fair, an annual and festive event that introduces current students to extracurricular activities and organizations that match up with their interests and experiences. It was there that she discovered the Student Programming Board, and three years later, she is serving as president of the organization.

“Signing up for this club has been one of the best decisions of my life,” said Baumgart, a biochemistry major from Knoxville. “I’ve gotten to be behind the scenes at some of the biggest events on campus that so many students enjoy. Not only that, but joining the club introduced me to such a diverse range of students that I normally would not have associated with. If I had not made that step as a freshman, I would have never been the president I am today.”

On Sept. 9, students will be able to learn more about campus organizations and envision where and how they might contribute to the life of the College. The Opportunities of a Lifetime Fair will be held from 12 to 2 p.m. in Humphreys Court in front of Fayerweather Hall.

 “It’s a great opportunity for new students, whether freshmen or transfer students, to see what clubs do on campus and when clubs meet,” said Kristin Gourley, director of student involvement at Maryville College. “So much of the Maryville College experience is in the classroom, but it’s important to have those connections outside the classroom.”

Baumgart said the event helps students get connected with the community of the College.

“When students go to the fair, they are not only building their resume but also their character and life experiences,” she said. “The fair, as I recall from freshman year, was really eye opening. I really feel that the clubs and organizations here are meant to build the already tight community at the College.”

About 30 campus clubs and organizations will be represented at the fair, including the Philosophy Club, the Ski and Snowboarding Club, the Biology Club, MC Literacy Corps, the Student Programming Board, Up ‘til Dawn, the MC Historical Society and the Entrepreneurship Club.

Students will also be able to find volunteer opportunities through the fair. About 20 non-profit organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee, American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO), New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center and Blount County Adult Basic Education, will be at the fair to tell students about ways they can help the community.

“The fair allows students to see the many different ways Maryville College partners with local non-profits to improve our community,” said Preston Fields, director of volunteer services. “The majority of the community partners attending are from right here in Blount County and have a strong history of Maryville College student involvement.  We encourage students to connect their academic interests with the needs of the community and start exploring their vocations in a hands-on way. We truly see each community partner as co-educators with our on-campus faculty and staff.”

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 2011 semester was 1,078.