It was standing room only as Vaughn’s second fall open house drew record numbers of prospective students and their families to the College on a clear November day. The number of student attendees over the two weeks topped 500, a record for the College. There was a tremendous interest from those on site to hear more about Vaughn’s aircraft operations (flight) and engineering programs, as well as aviation maintenance and management programs.

Ernie Shelpelsky, vice president of enrollment and President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo began the program describing what the day would be like, with attendees being broken into groups by areas of interest to receive specific degree program information, followed by hands-on, interactive experiences. As DeVivo noted, “The day is designed so you can learn more about Vaughn, have your questions answered and ultimately determine if the College is the best fit for you.” She went on to encourage the crowd to speak to current students to learn more about daily life at Vaughn.

Jonathan Bubloski came from Rockland County with his mother Rosanne to hear about Vaughn’s flight and air traffic control offerings. While only a freshman in high school, he was bitten by the aviation bug early and decided to investigate his opportunities for the future. Bubloski heard about Vaughn through a New York area aviation club where he met current aircraft operations student Tevin Goodridge ‘15. Bubloski hopes to become a pilot and learn air traffic control in college, and is starting an aviation club at his school. Taking his first simulator ride today he noted, “This was a great experience for me. I was able to handle the controls and feel the cockpit movement. Today just reinforced my passion for flight and aviation.”

Deb Henneberry, assistant professor in the aviation department, spoke to a room filled to capacity about the aircraft operations or flight program and the addition of a new aeronautical sciences bachelor’s degree that would be offered starting in the spring. She answered questions from the room and talked about Vaughn’s submission to obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 approval that when received, would reduce the number of required flight hours for some programs.

Midway through the day, information on clubs and campus activities were available for those interested in attending Vaughn. Career service, student advisement and athletics’ personnel were all present to answer questions.  Additionally, Vaughn student club officers were also nearby to showcase their offerings. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) club flew drones in the hangar and the robotics team provided a demonstration of their award-winning robots.

VAUGHN COLLEGE’S SECOND FALL OPEN HOUSE: Clockwise from top left, President DeVivo opens the program speaking to a large crowd, a prospective student takes a ride in a simulator, Jonathan Bublosk attends open house with his mother Rosanne, robotics club showcases their awards and robots.