Ashley Fugate (left) and her daughter, Avery Cross, attend the Blue and Gold Spring Preview on Saturday, April 5. Photo by Angela Foster.
Excitement and eagerness filled the air at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on Saturday, April 5, as hundreds of prospective students and their families explored campus during Blue and Gold Preview Day.
The annual event gave future Mocs a chance to meet with academic departments, take campus tours, explore student services and start imagining themselves at UTC.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all of my future classmates,” said Avery Cross, a senior from Fayetteville, Tennessee, who plans to study nursing at UTC this fall. “It’s fun and kind of nerve-wracking, but it’s comforting to see that all these people here are going through the same thing.”
Her mom, Ashley Fugate, appreciated the opportunity to picture her daughter in Chattanooga.
“This is my first visit,” Fugate said. “I haven’t been (to Chattanooga) in years and I just want to take it all in. I want to see where she’s going to be living and just get my bearings so I can picture her here.”
Ansh Parihar, from Page High School in Franklin, Tennessee, will also be on campus as a full-time student in a few months.
“I’m an admitted student here and coming in the fall,” Parihar said. “I’m checking out the computer science program because that’s what I’m going to major in. I’m just getting a feel for everything and checking everything out.”
Bonnie Parihar, his mom, was anxious but excited to attend the Blue and Gold Preview Day.
“It’s our first visit here,” she said. “I feel a little bit better after visiting the campus. Before, you always have a thousand questions in your mind because your son is going out of the house and staying by himself for the first time.
“It’s always scary, but there’s a good vibe after visiting the campus.”
This is a common experience for many of the parents in attendance, according to Rachel Collins—who joined the event with her son, Cooper Collins. Cooper, whose older sister attends UTC, was interested in learning about the music therapy program.
“For us, it’s not very far but far enough. They have independence but we’re close enough if there’s an emergency,” said Rachel, a resident of Tullahoma, Tennessee. “UTC has really good bang for your buck. You’re not spending a massive amount of money out of your pocket, but you’re getting a good education.
“It’s well supported and they’ve got a lot of diversity in their degree programs. It’s also a really safe campus. These are the things parents look at.”
Jayla Gilbert, also a soon-to-be student joining in the fall, plans to major in middle grades education: social sciences.
“I chose UTC because it’s really affordable,” Gilbert said. “It has a really good atmosphere and a bunch of my friends are coming here.”
Will Scannapiego, a transfer student from Cleveland State Community College, came with his parents, Ede and Ken Scannapiego—who is also the associate director of UTC’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
“I want to nail down specifically what major I’m going to do today,” said Will, who is the youngest of four children.
“It’s kind of relieving,” Ken said. “We’ve had a 27-year-old come through and now a 19-year-old, and seeing it come to fruition is nice.”
The Scannapiegos brought along their friend Jennifer Caldwell and her son, Levi Caldwell, a transfer from Chattanooga State Community College, to check out the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
“My oldest went into welding and my middle is going to be a lineman,” Jennifer said. “So this is really my first experience with UTC and we’re really excited to be here.”
Peyton Harris, a junior who attends high school in Atlanta, came with plans for graduate school already in mind. He is interested in UTC’s exercise science program and hopes to eventually join the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
“I did some research online,” Harris said. “I saw this campus and saw they have my major. I thought it would be a good school to come to.”
“It’s bittersweet,” said his mom, Gail Harris, who also has two older children. “Once he leaves the nest, that’s it.”
Angela Alvinez, from Morristown, Tennessee, is interested in biomedical engineering and eventually going to medical school.
“I’m excited about Chattanooga because I don’t really come up here,” Alvinez said. “I’m usually either in Knoxville or in Atlanta. I’m excited for the vibe here.”
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Blue and Gold Preview Day photo gallery by Angela Foster
