Troy University hosted over 420 families during the semiannual Trojan Day on Saturday, Oct. 8, where prospective students were able to learn more about the University, tour the campus and see what student life might be like as a Trojan.
The day began with check in at Trojan Arena followed by an in-depth admissions, scholarship and housing presentation. After the presentation, students and their families toured the campus, participated in a Greek life panel and visited the many tables set up on the Academic Quad for the academic and student organizations browse session. At the conclusion of Trojan Day, the guests were invited to stay and watch the Trojan football team take down Southern Miss and experience game day at the Vet.
Korrie Lynn Williamson, Senior Director of Enrollment Services, called the day a success.
“Trojan Day was a fantastic day for our current and future Trojans! We were able to host over 420 families on our campus and genuinely share our Trojan pride,” she said. “From hearing from Chancellor Hawkins to seeing the Troy Trojans beat Southern Miss, Trojan Day 2022 was certainly a success. We look forward to our Spring Trojan Day and hope to announce that date soon.”
Caroline Swinea from Decatur, Alabama, said the look of the campus made a great first impression.
“It’s a beautiful campus, all of the buildings are really nice. I was able to go into Hawkins Hall because I want to go into education, and that was great,” she said. “The people have all been so friendly and helpful. I’ve already met a lot of people and made some connections.”
As a junior in high school, Swinea has only just started touring colleges. She was accompanied by her mother, Kristin, who said they wanted to see what life on campus might be like.
“We really wanted to come here and see the campus and try to get a feel for the spirit and atmosphere, and some more information about what TROY has to offer,” she said. “As a parent, I want her to be somewhere she can thrive and be comfortable, but challenged. Somewhere she can make friends and get a good education. Safety, of course, is always on your mind as a parent, too.”
Twin sisters Maegan and Makenzie Millsap, seniors from Birmingham, Alabama, both had TROY on their radar prior to visiting but were surprised at the size of the campus.
“I’ve shown interest in TROY before, and a lot of students have recommended it to me. When I received the email about Trojan Day, I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me to visit the campus,” said Maegan, who spent time talking with faculty from the Sorrell College of Business, her area of interest. “TROY has a homey feel to it and the campus is beautiful. There’s a lot of development going on, which is always a good sign.”
Also interested in business or potentially law, Makenzie added, “One of my teachers from last year is a TROY graduate, and he really loved it here so I thought I’d check things out and see if it’s for me. I love the campus, and the people have been nice and generous. I was expecting a small campus because I’ve always heard that TROY is small, but it’s really not. I’m glad I didn’t give into the pre-conceived notions and came to see it for myself.”
Colin Gilley, also a senior from Birmingham, already has plans to attend TROY next fall but wanted to see ahead of time what he might be able to get involved in.
“I was looking to see if there were any Christian clubs or organizations I could be a part of, and I found a few of them, which I was really happy about,” he said.
Because of his interest in sports broadcasting, Gilley spent time talking with students representing the Tropolitan, TROY’s student-run newspaper, and TrojanVision, TROY’s television station. Overall, he’s most looking forward to this new stage in life.
“I’m really looking forward to having a new atmosphere,” he said. “It’ll definitely be a lot different than high school. I’m just excited about everything I’m going to get to experience and do next fall.”
The date for Spring Trojan Day will be announced at a later date.
