Thirty eighth-graders from Alexander Jr. High had an opportunity to see what going to Ohio University could be like Saturday afternoon. Members from Phi Gamma Nu business fraternity and the ExSell Sales Clubs said they hoped to inspire middle school students from the Appalachian community to go to college through the College Connect Day.
We think it's important because we take for granted what we have
said Erich Haunert, vice president of ExSell and a member of Phi Gamma Nu. We see where these kids come from and we want them to have the same opportunities we have.
Each student was paired with a mentor from one of the two organizations. The students got to know each other by participating in icebreakers at Copeland Hall, than were split into teams for a scavenger hunt that led them around the OU campus.
(The scavenger hunt) really brought the kids out of their shell because they had to ask people questions said Allison Kennedy, a Phi Gamma Nu member.
The students went back to Copeland for lunch sponsored by Domino's Pizza, which donated 20 pizzas to the event. Other sponsors include Bob's IGA, Burger King, and Uptown Dog. Haunert said he was surprised with the amount of donations from local businesses.
The students also attended the OU football game, where most students said their favorite part of the day was seeing the half-time show.
ExSell member David Couch said he had fun just hanging out with the guys and answering their questions.
It's important to remember that yeah
we're older
but we can still relate and talk and have a good time
Couch said.
College Connect Day is about giving back to the kids said Adam Jones, head of the philanthropy committee of Phi Gamma Nu.
I think we gave the kids an insight into what we do here at college and the one-on-one and group interactions helped influence the students to work hard in high school to be prepared for college
Jones said.
Haunert said that members of both Phi Gamma Nu and ExSell were passionate about doing this next year.
The Snider Fund, an alumni fund for the College of Business, gave ExSell $1,000 to pay for the event, said ExSell president Joslyn Abner.
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Megan Cotten
