his past Saturday, October 14^th, Hilbert College hosted an open house for incoming or interested students. This event is for students to learn what being a Hilbert Hawk is all about. Students have the chance to tour, learn about Hilbert’s academic programs, athletics, residential life and more.

            Nationally, Hilbert holds the #1 spot for undergraduate forensic science schools. Hilbert is also in the top 10% regarding the income mobility index. While being in the top 15% of in-residence halls, Hilbert is one of the top ten place holders in New York State. (www.hilbert.edu)

            Jordan Sinclair, a Hilbert Alumni and Campus Safety Officer, graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. While researching schools, there were many former and current police officers that told him Hibert College has one of the best criminal justice programs they knew of. He stated that was what attracted him most to Hilbert.

            Besides education and residential life, Hilbert has an amazing, inclusive community. Sinclair stated that Hilbert’s community was one of the reasons he attended Hilbert. “Everybody talks to each other, it’s a very happy community.” The advice he would like to give to incoming students would be, “get to know your professors, reach out, and talk to them. They would be more than happy to help. This also goes for anyone, including in faculty and staff too.”

There are a lot of things to consider when hosting an open house, like who should be represented. There are many clubs that represent themselves at open house, as well as athletics. Hilbert keeps their alumni very involved and inclusive with these events. Lisa Beckwith is the president of the Alumni Board and had lots of good information to share:

What is the mission of the alumni board?
“The purpose of the Hilbert College Alumni association is to advance the interests of the college, to develop and foster a mutually beneficial relationship between the college and it’s alumni by providing educational opportunities, social programs, services and benefits, to build ties and relationships among alumni and students at the college, to provide alumni input on college concerns and to link the college of today and tomorrow with the heritage of excellence, commitment, and service.”

What are the types of questions that parents and potential students ask you?
“Such a large range. Parents want to know you received a solid education and if you found employment with your degree. They also have asked about safety, professors, financial aid, and the environment. Possible students ask about majors, professors, and careers mostly but again also has a large range. Open House is one of my favorite events because of our unique lens we can speak from.”