Anita Castro

acastro@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

 

With 81 days until Spring Commencement, CMU’s Alumni Association will host its seventh annual Grad Fair Wednesday and Thursday in the University Center Ballroom.

“This is a one-stop shop,” Director of Alumni Relations Rick Adleman said. “It’s a chance for seniors to know what’s out there after they graduate.”

This year’s event will offer 20 different vendors including various hotels, Partyland, Hooters and the Grand Valley Young Professionals. Each vendor will also give away a door prize.

“We try and recruit businesses who would be useful when planning graduation parties,” Adleman said.

Graduating seniors will be entered into the drawing for the door prizes when they register with the event’s email list.

Orders for caps, gowns, class rings and announcements will be taken through Herff Jones. Cap and gown orders will be taken through March 31. Students who did not order their gown before the deadline will be able to purchase one in May with a $30 late fee.

The Alumni Association holds the event before graduation and final tests.

“The stress hasn’t hit them yet, so it’s still fun,” Adleman said.

The Alumni Association works year-round to put on the event for CMU students. They have a committee that begins contacting vendors in October and starts recruiting volunteers in January. This year, over 20 alumni will help out with the event.

The Alumni Association will also hold a Grad Fair next fall for December graduates.

“We will definitely do some type of Grad Fair in the fall,” Adleman said. “It will probably be smaller, but with the same purpose.”

All students, regardless of grade level, are welcome at this year’s event.

“Even if you’re not a senior, we welcome you to stop by and survey what the fair and the Alumni Association has to offer,” Adleman said.

“We also encourage seniors to bring their parents if they’re involved in the party planning process.”

The Grad Fair will be held from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday. For more information on the event or the Alumni Association, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cmualumni.