[463]INAUGURAL MTSU ALUMNI SUMMER COLLEGE SET JUNE 25-27

Release date: May 30, 2008


News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919
Office of Alumni Relations contact: Rhonda Wright, 615-904-8198


INAUGURAL MTSU ALUMNI SUMMER COLLEGE SET JUNE 25-27
Event Organizers Extend Registration Deadline to June 10

(MURFREESBORO) — The MTSU Office of Alumni Relations is looking forward to being host for its inaugural Alumni Summer College in late June.
“It is an opportunity for alumni and friends to return to campus, becoming reacquainted with the university and each other through a series of interesting classes and fun tours,” said Rhonda Wright, an alumni relations assistant director. “We have planned two-and-a-half days of activities, lectures and tours that are tailored for Blue Raiders.”
Alumni Summer College will be held June 25-27. Registration has been extended to Tuesday, June 10, Wright said.
“As we approach MTSU’s Centennial in 2011, we wanted to offer an event that
would tie the university’s past with its future,” she said. “This year’s theme of ‘Exploring Our Heritage’ does just that. We will study everything from the university’s history to photo preservation, equestrian traditions to genealogies and the turf of the football field to our area’s musical history.”
Wright, who is coordinating the event, said people started calling as soon as the event was announced in February.
“Excitement grew when the schedule was published,” she said. “Everyone is eager to return to campus. Some participants have not been on campus since the 1960s, while others are regulars at most MTSU events. Most of this year’s class graduated
in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, and are traveling from six different states. They are all looking forward to renewing their ties to their alma mater and becoming a college student again. Only this time, there will be no quizzes in their classes.”
Wright said she has enjoyed “hearing the stories that participants have shared over the phone and know that forgotten memories will flood back to them when they walk on campus. I have learned about the sock hops, football rivalries, bus stations and professors of years gone by.”

“Our field trip to Nashville is sure to be a highlight,” Wright added. “After learning about country music from noted historian Robert K. Oermann, we will tour the
Ryman Auditorium and go backstage while the Grand Ole Opry radio show is on
the air (WSM-AM 650).”
The Alumni House, located at 2259 Middle Tennessee Blvd., will serve as the home base for Alumni Summer College participants. Each day will start and end there.
Wright said she expects Alumni Summer College to become an annual event.
“Based on this year’s interest, we anticipate it will grow each year,” she said.
Alumni Summer College is open to all alumni, family and friends of the
university. Although space is limited, there is still time to enroll by the June 10 deadline, she said.
You can find more information about Alumni summer College and other alumni events by visiting mtalumni.com or calling 615-898-2922 or 1-800-533-6878.
For MTSU news and information, go to mtsunews.com.