CMU and You event showcases the business community and opportunities

Nearly 2,000 prospective students and more than 3,500 visitors including their families filled campus for the CMU and You event, where the College of Business Administration rolled out the maroon carpet. 

“We want them to see what it’s like to explore programs with our faculty, have one-on-one conversations, check out our Idea Den, our HUB office, and our Atrium some real points of pride,” said Lori Driessnack, associate director of student services located in The HUB,  which hosted the day. “We also want them to learn about the Business Residential College from students living on the floor. Our students are the best representatives of us and the best recruiters, because students love to learn from other students about what it’s like.” 

Faculty echoed that goal: to help families understand what sets CMU apart. 

“We have prospective students coming to see what CMU can offer for them, and they are usually accompanied by family members,” said Eugene Popa, faculty member in the Department of Management. “Some of those family members could have been alumni of CMU.” 

Popa noted that the day gave students an early introduction to the many programs available. “They’re going to learn about different types of majors that we offer,” he said. “We try to give them a brief idea about what it means for them to go to college, and especially to come to CMU.” 

For student employee Aaron Holsinger, a sophomore and recruitment coordinator for the Business Residential College, the event was about giving students a clear sense of opportunity. 

“For this specific recruiting event, we’re seeing a lot of not necessarily incoming students,” Holsinger said. “I’ve seen a lot of sophomores, juniors and seniors. So, it’s a diverse group of students, which is great to see, even if they’re earlier in their career, they’re kind of exploring the opportunities Central has.” 

He added that the Business Residential College is one-way students connect from the very beginning. “From this event, at least in Grawn, we’re allowing students to explore the opportunities the College of Business has, such as the different majors and organizations,” he said. “But specifically, I’m promoting the Business Residential College, which is a great opportunity for incoming freshmen to get their foot in the door and establish themselves as a successful business student and kind of help themselves stand apart from other freshmen.” 

For prospective student Adam Rose, the event was a chance to picture himself at CMU. 

“I just really wanted to check out what CMU is about,” Rose said. “I’m still a little undecided, but I was really captivated and kind of taken away by how welcoming all the staff were. It’s unique. I’m kind of looking more towards business as well. I wanted to get more experience about what Grawn Hall was like.” 

Rose said he was surprised by the sense of connection he found between faculty and students. “I’m really surprised by how it seems like everyone knows each other pretty well,” he said. “Everyone wanted to come up and talk to me, and they wanted to introduce me to their classes that they teach and different student organizations here at Central.” 

He also discovered some of CBA’s signature learning opportunities. “I learned about the Voigtman Financial Lab,” Rose said. “It was unique, something I don’t really think a lot of other schools focus on. And, you know, they really talked about the $4 million fund, which was really cool. It’s something I’m kind of looking forward to getting into once I make my decision.” 

As Rose reflected on his visit, he had advice for others. “I would definitely say to check out all your options,” he said. “I would say Central’s like the strongest candidate for me but go with something that has a lot of extracurriculars that are going to put you further ahead in life. I mean, I want to work in finance one day, and I could tell by the investment fund at Central, that’s something that they can give me.” 

From welcoming conversations to hands-on demonstrations, the CMU and You event highlighted the strengths of the College of Business Administration: a community where students are supported, challenged, and prepared to succeed.