The sunshine and warm weather had everyone in good spirits at Vaughn College’s spring open house on Saturday, April 14. Two-hundred fifty prospective students and their families filled the William R. DeCota Hangar to hear about Vaughn’s “futureproof” offerings in engineering, technology, management and aviation, and the announcement of the Vaughn College Guarantee.

Guests were greeted by student volunteers who introduced them to the on-campus environment and community, and were given a formal introduction to the College by Celso Alvarez, associate vice president of enrollment, who delivered an overview of Vaughn’s academic offerings.

“We’re very excited to see so many students who are enthusiastic about their future,” said Alvarez. “And we’re happy to highlight the long-lasting value of a Vaughn College education.”

The event marked the official launch of the Vaughn College Guarantee, a program announced at the open house by Vaughn College President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo to underscore the value of a Vaughn education. According to DeVivo, the College is so confident in its ability to place students in the futureproof industries it serves that if eligible graduates are not working in their field of study within one year, Vaughn College will pay their federal student loans for one year or, if they choose, will pay for full-time tuition in Vaughn’s master of science program in airport management for one year. Currently, 97 percent of Vaughn graduates are employed or continuing their education within one year, 82 percent in their field of study.

Students and their guests were given a tour of the College’s facilities and a presentation on academic offerings before returning to the Hangar for a meet-and-greet with student clubs and organizations, and a raffle for a free flight lesson and a $1,000 scholarship.

“I’m really impressed with how interactive the classes seem,” said Alex Goindoo, a high school junior who attended the Aviation Training Institute presentation. “One of my teachers noticed how I enjoy hands-on laboratory work, and suggested I visit Vaughn. I’m glad I did.”

Admissions, financial aid, career services and veterans affairs representatives were available throughout the event to answer questions for attendees, and all students who submitted an application to the College had their application fee waived at the event.

In the past year, Vaughn has been recognized as the number one institution in the US for upward mobility, in a study published in The New York Times, a “top college for your money” by Money Magazine, a “top science and tech college” by Popular Mechanics, and for the eighth year in a row, a top regional college in the north by US News & World Report.

“The Vaughn College Guarantee is one more way to showcase our deep commitment to student success,” adds Alvarez. “Vaughn’s academic offerings, career services department and strong ties to the industries it serves allows our students to make connections that will help them both in the classroom and throughout their careers.”

Vaughn will host an accepted student’s day celebration on Saturday, April 21, and will host its next open house event in the fall.

  

Left: Prospective students and guests are welcomed by Vaughn College President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo. Right: Open house attendees hear about Vaughn’s offerings in airport and airline management.