By Fatima Magana '22

ALLIANCE- Students from four high schools in Ohio visited the University of Mount Union to experience campus life. The Senior Exploration Day was dedicated to showing high school seniors what college life looks like and the endless opportunities the University offers them to grow academically, personally, and professionally.

President Greg King and Mark Black, chief diversity officer and senior title IX coordinator, welcomed seniors from Bedford High School, Painesville Harvey High School, Maple Heights High School, and Warrensville Heights High School. 

55 high school seniors visited Mount Union of which 15 were already admitted to the University prior to attending the Senior Exploration Day. Students were able to see campus facilities and hear about learning opportunities they can take advantage of once a Purple Raider. Current students also spoke about their experience during the tour.

“Students expressed that our campus was beautiful while others said that it was easy to navigate and not too far from their home,” said Black. “Students also highlighted our food and current students’ attitudes.”

Returning from the tour, students separated to check into different information sessions and engaged with current students in the new Wayne Manzilla Inclusion Center.

Current students in the Wayne Manzilla Inclusion Center

Students heard from AJ Digby, director of Esports, Shawnta Forester, ‪director of student diversity programs, Jill Grove, spirit squad advisor, Tim Morrison, university chaplain, Matt Parnell, director of recreation and wellness services, and Casey Tonn, ‪director of student involvement and leadership about campus and student life.

Panel of University employees speaking to visiting students

Michelle Radford, guidance counselor at Warrensville Heights attended the Senior Exploration Day as a mentor to the seniors, but also as a proud parent of a current Purple Raider. Her son, Tre Radford transferred to Mount Union looking for a better experience with individualized attention from professors.

“When my son transferred, our experience was positive from dealing with the financial aid component to the housing,” said Radford. “By visiting Mount Union’s campus, I hope that my students can envision themselves as students here while also realizing that colleges look at their transcripts which are like a résumé in the real world, so they need a good record.”

The Senior Exploration Day is a follow-up event to the Diversity Exploration Day held in the spring when many of these seniors visited the campus as high school juniors. With hopes of students exploring the different opportunities Mount Union has to offer, these two events were packed with informative yet fun activities.

“The events and activities served as different opportunities for seniors to see themselves on our campus fulfilling their lives, being prepared for meaningful work, and being responsible citizens,” said Black. “Doing so will enhance the inclusive nature of our student population upon their arrival as freshman.”

Like these students, you can experience our incredible campus and welcoming faculty and staff. Schedule your visit today.