Open house gives students a taste of college

(Left) Mount Saint Mary College attracted hundreds of prospective students to its recent open house. Located 60 miles north of New York City along the majestic Hudson River, the Mount offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs preparing students for careers in healthcare, business, education, social services, communications, media and more. (Right) At the recent open house, Darnell Dorcé and his mother, of Saddle River, NJ, both said they enjoyed Mount Saint Mary College’s breathtaking views of the Hudson River.

The first fall open house at Mount Saint Mary College attracted more than 280 high school students looking forward to their college careers: in healthcare, business, education, social services, communication/media, and more.

By meeting with current college students, faculty, financial aid experts, and admissions staff, visitors learned about the array of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, and extracurricular opportunities offered.

Tours of the campus, led by student ambassadors, showcased residence halls, classrooms, and the college’s state-of-the-art Kaplan Family Mathematics, Science and Technology Center.

Hailing from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond, the visitors were wowed by breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the early autumn leaves bursting with color.

(Left) Ashley Vanderman, a Port Jervis High School senior from Middletown, NY, came to Mount Saint Mary College to research a major in nursing. At the Mount, 40 percent of freshmen aim for health professions. (Right) Doris Hettinger-Mackey of Queens, NY, a 1980 graduate of Mount Saint Mary College, came to the recent open house with her daughter, Julia Mackey, who is considering a major in social sciences.

Many found that the experience alleviated fears of moving on to adulthood and into careers.

“I think it’s going to be a great experience. I’m really excited,” said Ashley Vanderman, a Port Jervis High School senior from Middletown, NY.

And then there’s the view.

“I think it’s beautiful. Great view, nice people,” she said.

Vanderman is interested in becoming a teacher.

So is Richard Dufresnes, a high school senior from Old Bridge, NJ. His cousin, Danielle Bihuniak, a 2004 graduate of the Mount, suggested that Richard attend the open house at her alma mater.

“I was a science/education major, so I got a lot out of it,” said Bihuniak, of her time at the Mount.

Mount Saint Mary College’s nationally accredited teacher education program is distinctive, with fieldwork embedded in coursework starting in sophomore year. The program earns high marks in preparing well qualified graduates for New York State licensure in careers as teachers and administrators.

(Left) Wantagh, NY resident Bernadette Claravall visited Mount Saint Mary College with her parents to explore a career in nursing. (Right) Rachael Heard and her mother, both from Trumbull, CT, visited Mount Saint Mary College to explore a major in biology. Courses can prepare students for careers in industry and education, as well as graduate study like medical, veterinary or dental school.

Wantagh, NY resident Bernadette Claravall, currently a senior at General Douglas MacArthur High School, came to the Mount to research a nursing career.

Forty percent of Mount freshmen aim for health professions. The college’s nationally accredited four year nursing degree program features high-tech simulator labs, hands-on clinical experience, and an NCLEX pass rate that consistently outperforms the state average.

The natural sciences are high on students’ lists of academic interests. Rachael Heard of Trumbull, CT, headed to the Mount’s open house to learn more about a major in biology. Courses prepare Mount students for medical, veterinary, or dental school, or other graduate study; and careers in industry or education.

Mount Saint Mary College also offers comprehensive areas of study in communication, language arts, math, information technology, psychology, social sciences, philosophy, and religion.

The campus has well-equipped residence halls, many with river views and suite-style living. In addition to sports (a high-tech turf athletic field, six tennis courts, and an indoor pool), students also enjoy participating in clubs, such as Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

(Left) Colleen Larkin of Bloomfield, NJ explored Mount Saint Mary College’s opportunities in nursing. (Right) Anna Bognot and Kristopher Garcin, Newburgh residents who recently moved to the area from Los Angeles, learned about nursing studies at Mount Saint Mary College.

Whether extracurricular or embedded in coursework, service is a core element of a Mount education. When asked why she is considering a career in nursing, Colleen Larkin from Bloomfield, NJ had a simple answer:

“I want to help people,” she said.

Located 60 miles north of New York City, the college is ranked a Top-Tier Regional University (North) by U.S. News & World Report.

The Mount’s next open house will take place Sunday, October 21. For more information about the application process or to register for open house, call 1-888-YES-MSMC (1-888-937-6762) or visit the college’s website at www.msmc.edu.