Maurice Cooley, vice president for intercultural affairs and an organizer of the event, said the event aims to expose diverse student groups to the learning opportunities at Marshall.
“Junior and senior high school minority students and their families will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gather with peers in one place, at one time, over a weekend celebration and learning experience,” Cooley said. “These students were nominated due to their outstanding leadership skills and top performance inside and outside of the classroom. We look forward to welcoming each of our potential students to campus.”
Cooley said approximately forty percent of students who attend this event typically enroll at Marshall University, which contributes to the relatively high retention and graduation rate of minorities who attend the university when compared with all other universities in West Virginia and adjoining states.
Friday afternoon will commence with a lunch on campus. High school students will have “real talk” time with currently enrolled Marshall students, while parents will be involved in a panel discussion to learn about the institution including financial aid, scholarships and planning for college.
After meeting the college deans and taking campus tours, students will have dinner at Harless Dining Hall and spend the evening at the Marshall Recreation Center, playing games and enjoying the National Pan-Hellenic Council step show.
The annual awards ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Don Morris Room at the Memorial Student Center. Media are encouraged to cover the event.
To learn more about Intercultural Students’ Weekend, contact Cooley by e-mail at cooley@marshall.edu or call 304-696-5430.