The Panther

Media Credit: Evan White

Students and parents turned out in large numbers to attend Pantherland Day 2008 on Saturday, Feb. 23, to discover the many possibilities that the university offers.

Organizers and attendees arrived early at Prairie View followed by bus loads of high school and middle school students.

Roumona Bragg, 38, arrived with her three daughters.

"I brought my kids out to see what college is all about, to see what kind of programs Prairie View has... and that's about it," Bragg said chuckling.

This year's theme was "Carnival on the Hill Step Right Up to Greatness."

Students followed their chaperones to the William "Billy" J. Nicks Field House where student volunteers welcomed them.

Volunteers played a big role in Pantherland Day.

Tameka Dye, a communications major, devoted her Saturday morning to the event.

"Since I am a senior in college," said Dye cheerfully, "I know the ropes and I can actually give the kids advice and answer any academic questions they have."

Students and parents were given a program for the general assembly, a map of the campus, and a copy of 'The Education Highway' to accommodate their visit.

The general assembly opened with a welcome and was followed by the Star Spangled Banner and a prayer.

After a brief informational session, they were dismissed for a tour of the campus.

The visitors were divided into groups and given a short tour of the campus, visiting locations such as University College, Alumni field and the Memorial Student Center, followed by a lunch break in the MSC parking lot. Parents and students were able to visit the college fair that was set up in the MSC ballroom.

After the events concluded, the crowd regrouped in the auditorium for a closing ceremony; soaking in all the information they received throughout the day.

"I really enjoyed myself; I had a lot of fun," said Regina Jones, 16. "I didn't think I would like Pantherland Day but I especially enjoyed the Marching Storm and the Black Foxes."

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