Open house draws largest crowd ever

Gage Michaud, an electrical construction and maintenance student at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle, demonstrates how to operate a robotic arm during the college's Oct. 13 open house. Robotic arms are used in many modern assembly lines and electricians are the ones who are called upon to build and program them for use. (Courtesy of Northern Maine Community College)

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Maine Community College’s Presque Isle campus was vibrant with activity for the fall 2017 open house on Friday, Oct. 13.

Students from each college program set up informational displays and provided engaging demonstrations in various labs and classrooms.

“Once again, we were delighted to welcome local citizens and schools from near and far to our campus,” said Dr. William Egeler, dean of students.

“Open house affords us the opportunity to showcase not only our facilities and academic programs, but also our most valuable resources – our students, faculty and staff,” Egeler said. “Interacting with people across campus is a great way to inspire those thinking about college and is often aspirational for many of our younger guests.”

Two hundred and seventy prospective students, more than twice as many as last year, traveled to the event from throughout Maine. Visitors were able to witness a typical day in the life of an NMCC student. By visiting classrooms and labs, they were able to see students administering intravenous lines, painting cars, using infrared photography to show heat loss in a home and much more.

“This year’s open house was the most successful so far,” said Wendy Bradstreet, director of admissions.  “Many comments I received included how impressive the labs were with hands-on learning and up-to-date technology. People also commented on how friendly our campus is.”

This is the third year the college has hosted a fall open house. Egeler said the event appeals to faculty members, as well, who enjoy having potential students tour the state-of-the-art facilities to see the areas that most people don’t normally have the opportunity to explore.

For more information or to receive a tour of the college, contact the admissions office at (207) 768-2785 or go to nmcc.edu.