Marywood University held its first graduate school fair in the Fireplace Lounge at Nazareth Hall for students who were interested in learning about or attending graduate school.

The event took place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21 and featured 24 colleges from the Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, and one from U.S. representative from University College Cork in Ireland.

“We have wanted to have a grad fair for a while,” said Tammy Manka, the assistant d of Graduate Admissions of seven years.

Graduate Admissions and Career Services worked on the event for several months.

Graduate Admissions was responsible for contacting schools and Career Service’s role was to help guide students to schools that correlate with their desired career and advertise the event to students.

“We wanted to give the Marywood undergrad population a venue to research grad schools since it’s the next step after graduation,” said Manka. “If there are any students who need guidance, Career Services and Graduate Admissions will be happy to help them.”

Director of Career Services Carole Gustites came up with the idea for a grad school fair.

“The event provides the opportunity to mingle with admissions people from different cities without traveling,” said Gustitus.

“The turnout wasn’t quite what we expected, but many schools said this was okay for the first time. We have learned a lot and the schools have been very helpful,” said Gustitus.

Sophomore exercise science major Katie Edwards believed that the grad school fair was a good event.

“It’s a good idea to inform students of different schools they can attend, said Edwards.

Amy Liberi, the assistant dean of the Graduate School at Rutgers Camden, talked about the importance of enrolling in the right graduate school.

“Finding a program that fits your interest is important,” said Liberi.

Michell Patterson is the Assistant Director for Graduate Admissions at Penn State Harrisburg discussed what he enjoys about his line of work and what is necessary for students thinking about grad school.

“My favorite part of my job is meeting students,” said Patterson. “Grad school is not for everyone- you need that passion to become an expert in a field. The passion really has to come full circle if you’re looking for a masters or doctorate degree level.”

Ann Williams, director of Alumni Engagement, was present at the event and spoke of the importance of establishing connections.

“What we can do in the alumni office for students is network them with alumni,” said Williams. “We can help you connect with alumni within your field and the geographical location you may want to be in which includes 16 different countries.”

Williams said that the turnout at the event was slow at some points.

“It’s the first grad fair… even if one student finds a grad school they are interested in or an alum wants to make a connection, this is a success,” said Williams.

Bethany Wade contributed to this report.

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