Thousands of students from Southeast Texas and beyond will attend Open House Saturday, March 3, to see Lamar University's new Dining Hall and the Cardinal Village residence hall, both huge draws for high school students selecting a university.
Cardinal Village has been so popular that all three phases fill up each fall, creating a waiting list for students. The trend led Lamar to break ground on a fourth phase Jan. 22, which should open for fall 2007. Cardinal Village will grow from 1,500 to 2,000 beds when the new phase opens in August.
When it comes to cuisine, Lamar's new Dining Hall gets rave reviews from students and the public, said Jim Rush, director of academic services. Students have called it the best dining hall they have seen in their life, he said.
“I have heard nothing but positive feedback,” Rush said. “When you go to a college campus, you usually don't get great feedback about the food.”
“The Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center is going to be a major draw for students,” said Jim Rush, director of academic services. “We anticipate it will become one of top locations students will want to tour.”
The $19-million center includes a rock-climbing wall, a health food café, jogging track, racquetball courts and other recreational activities for students. Rush said it would be part of future campus tours. School officials don't expect the center to be completed and operational in time for the March 3 Open House.
Open House, an annual event, offers high school students and their families an opportunity to visit Lamar, meet with professors and learn about what the university has to offer socially and academically. The event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 3, in the Montagne Center with opening remarks from President James Simmons. Students also will have an opportunity to meet with deans and campus administration. Attendees can have coffee with Simmons, tour the campus and learn about campus organizations.
During their visit, students can learn about the different colleges at Lamar, the honors program, pick up the basics of financial aid and learn tips for succeeding at college. Lamar's student organizations will conduct an organization fair in the Quadrangle to showcase the variety of social, civic and religious organizations on campus.
This is a great way for students to get comfortable with campus, Rush said. A campus tour helps potential students familiarize themselves with the university before classes begin, he said. During tours, visitors can see first hand Lamar is developing new facilities throughout campus.
The university will give away scholarships and door prizes for attendees. In the past, Rush said, the scholarships have made a difference in the lives of Lamar students. “Each year, the scholarships open up an opportunity for students.”
School officials suggest attendees arrive at the Montagne Center early to be eligible for scholarships and door prizes. The Montagne is at Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Virginia Avenue.
Travelin' Max, a big hit with students and parents, will entertain visitors in the Quadrangle. Travelin' Max is an award-winning performer who has toured American college campuses and performed at corporate, private and festival events since 1992.
Make reservations by visiting lamar.edu or call (409) 880-8316 for more information.
