Open House a Major Success

Brookdale Community College hosted its Fall 2019 Open House on November 17. The highest attended Open House to date, the event informed prospective students and their families about the numerous reasons why starting at Brookdale is a great decision.

The event kicked off at the Collins Arena where guests were welcomed by Dr. David Stout, president of Brookdale. Stout talked about the amount of money that can be saved by earning an associate’s degree at the college before transferring to a four-year university and the great education Brookdale provides all students.

“Not only was I able to save thousands of dollars attending the school, but Brookdale ignited the fuel to my successful future,” said Graduate Trustee Lauren Deinhardt to the arena full of prospective students and their families. “Brookdale is what you make of it, and as long as students take initiative to advance their careers, professors and administrators will do absolutely everything in their power until that student is prosperous – something you might not have in larger universities,” she said.

Deinhardt’s testimonial showed prospective students how hard-work and getting involved on campus can lead to amazing opportunities. “These successes would not at all be possible if it weren’t for Brookdale’s devotion to students and partnerships,” she said of her accomplishments such as her internship while studying at Brookdale at the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office and the numerous scholarships she was awarded after graduating Brookdale in May. “Brookdale Community College provided me with a strong platform to succeed at anything my heart desires; use this platform for your advantage as well, and in two years, I hope to see you behind this podium delivering a similar speech,” said Deinhardt.

 

Brookdale alumnus Alec Moran also shared with the Open House attendees his Brookdale experiences that led to his success. “I began as a math and science major at Brookdale. Today I am a doctor,” he said. Moran, who will complete his anesthesiology residency at Robert Wood Johnson in less than two years, credited the professors at Brookdale with going beyond the textbooks to teach lessons that lead to success. He also cited the numerous clubs and organizations he was involved with during his time at the college. “You all have the capacity to get involved and make a difference, and I encourage you to do so,” he said to the prospective students in the audience.

“Taking full advantage of Brookdale’s student services helped me become someone I never believed I could become,” Moran said. “Here I am 11 years post-graduation to share my story with you because I know Brookdale can give your college story the beginning it needs to get to the perfect ending,” he said.

Liz Jeressi, radio personality best known for her popular morning show “Lou and Liz in the Morning” on 94.3 The Point, easily related to the parents in the audience since her two teen boys are both currently attending Brookdale. Jeressi, who is also a Brookdale alumna, praised the school’s student services including free tutoring. She also encouraged parents to let their college students explore different options and majors while completing their general education requirements at Brookdale to save the tuition and living expenses of a four-year university.

After the welcome speeches, attendees had the opportunity to tour the Lincroft campus, meet with representatives from Brookdale’s student services and partnerships, talk with faculty members about the different majors and courses available, and learn more about the opportunities the college offers.

A new feature at Open House was the addition of selfie stations located in various buildings across the campus. Designed around the themes of Brookdale Pride, these stations offered visitors the chance to capture the experience of Open House against backgrounds that are Instagram-worthy.

The hard work, long hours, and dedication of everyone who helped the Fall 2019 Open House be such a success resulted in positive reviews from those who attended. “The president and speakers were very impressive and made an impact on my son,” one parent said.

“Everyone we encountered was very friendly and helpful. Everyone took their time to answer all the questions we had,” another parent said.

“Brookdale definitely shows that they are A+ among two-year colleges,” said an Open House attendee.