Contact: Sammy McDavid
More than 4,000 persons are expected Oct. 17 for Mississippi State's fall weekend program specifically designed for prospective students.
Taking place 9:30 a.m.-noon on the University Drill Field, "Discovery: MSU" is being held for the second year in conjunction with Parents' Weekend, a series of activities to recognize the families of students already enrolled.
Both sponsored by the Office of Enrollment Services, this year's programs are part of the larger 1998 Homecoming Weekend that peaks with the campus football game on the afternoon of the 17th with East Tennessee State University.
Now in its second decade and anchored traditionally around a big-top tent, "Discovery" features some 75 exhibits and displays prepared by academic and student-support departments. Accompanying them are booths dispensing snacks, MSU food products and soft drinks. Music by the MSU Stage and Alumni bands, Black Voices and others tie the mix together.
"Fall 'Discovery' is our biggest on-campus recruiting event," said enrollment services director Jimmy Abraham. "Much effort goes into making it both information- and fun-filled."
Parents' Weekend kicks off the previous day (the 16th) with a 9-11 a.m. registration under the big top, followed immediately by personal welcomes from President Malcolm Portera and Vice President for Student Affairs Roy Ruby. Campus tours and afternoon meetings with teachers and advisers will follow, with a casual supper with administrators rounding out the day's events.
On the 17th, parents can start the day with a coffeehouse and continental breakfast, followed by a special program led by some of the university's top teaching faculty.
As lagniappe to everything happening that weekend, country music star Tracy Byrd will perform in a free concert that begins at 6 p.m. in the MSU Amphitheater.
For additional information on "Discovery" and Parents' Weekend, telephone (601) 325-3076 or e-mail LEAD@msstate.edu.