Bloomfield College Deacon's Fest

By Shakirah Gittens, Bloomfield College

Bloomfield College welcomed prospective new students, as well as alumni and current students, to the school’s annual “Deacon’s Fest” October 15.  

Hosted by the college’s Admissions Department, the Open House event, dubbed “a celebration of the past, present, and future of Bloomfield College,” by Jill Alexander, Director of Public Relations and Advancement Marketing at the college, combined information sessions for prospective students and fun activities for all.

“Deacon’s Fest is a great opportunity for prospective students to network with current students at Bloomfield College and allows them to get a glimpse of what real campus life is like,” said fourth year Student Ambassador Robert Pastures, a senior in Creative Arts and Technology. “It’s a great opportunity for those who are trying to decide what school to attend and may even be the deal maker.”

The Open House gave visiting high school students a chance to learn about  more than 60 majors currently offered by Bloomfield College. Other sessions for prospective students included a financial aid workshop and an opportunity to apply for admission on site.

But Deacon's Fest was not just for prospective students.  Visiting alumni also participated in Homecoming festivities, one of the weekend’s highlight events.

“Deacon’s Fest is like an early family reunion,” said third year student ambassador Tieheem Wilkinson, a junior Creative Arts and Technology Major. “Faces new and old come to check out the college and the history it holds.”

Wilkinson said alumni come to see how Bloomfield College has changed, as well as to keep their connection to their alma mater.  Many also come to offer support to recent graduates who are coping with life after college.

“People can expect great food, great company and a great time [at Deacon’s Fest],” said Kwi Brennan, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Bloomfield College.  “This is the largest campus-wide event and it takes the hands of many people in several departments to make it work.”

Alumni had their own tent for the event’s Homecoming activities, which included an evening reception. There were soccer games played by the college’s women’s and men’s soccer teams, as well as an organization’s fair showing the extracurricular activities Bloomfield offers. The college also outlined the support services available to students.

“I think Deacon’s Fest is a day where the staff, faculty and students can show prospective students, their family and friends what makes Bloomfield College such a special community,” said Nicole Cibelli, of the college’s Office of Admissions. “Deacon’s Fest is the reason why each year more and more alumni are coming back to join the students in celebrating a great tradition.”