When you walk through MacEwan’s doors on Open House day, the air is electric – you can just feel the energy and enthusiasm of our student volunteers, and the pride they have in what they’re doing. It gives me the shivers.

I spent my first 24 Open Houses in the volunteer room, but last year, I was out front helping visitors at the information booth right by the main entrance. I had so much fun – it felt like making 9,000 new best friends.

Partway through the day, we answered a question from a prospective student about early admission. We showed her and her parents where to find the registrar’s office, and off they went. A while later, they returned, and our brand new MacEwan student was waving her letter and saying, “I got accepted!” She was so happy; her parents were so proud, and they all wanted to take photos with us. 

Moments like that really mean something. I’m going to cry just thinking about it because I really am proud to be a part of this community. I want the people who visit during Open House to feel that. I want them to know that this is a welcoming and safe place to get their education. I want them to have a great experience, become an alum and walk out our doors ready to do something they love. 

– Mary Palazzo, Marketing and Communications Coordinator in the Office of Communications, Marketing and Web Services