Chemeketa hosts first in-person open house since pandemic
Chemeketa Community College (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
One lucky student will win a free year of college at Chemeketa Community College’s Wednesday event – and attendees can also meet a llama and check out the college planetarium.
The community college is hosting an open house, its first since the pandemic, at its Salem campus from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday. The college is located at 4000 Lancaster Drive N.E.
It’s intended to be both a college and career fair for prospective Chemeketa students or those interested in furthering their education, as well as a general community gathering with fun activities for visitors of all ages.
Among those attending are the Iron Ladies Motorcycle Group, a Scooby Doo Van operated by a Salem woman, and Caesar the No Drama Llama, said Marie Hulett, the college’s executive director of institutional advancement. Face painting will be available, and the college planetarium will offer previews of its show which is scheduled to resume in the fall.
“COVID created an enormous disconnect with our community,” says Marie Hulett, Chemeketa’s executive director of institutional advancement in a statement. “We want to bring everyone together again—individuals, service organizations, community clubs, and businesses— to reestablish neighborhood connections, reinforce that we are here for each other, and demonstrate that Chemeketa is truly a gathering place where all are welcome. This will be an afternoon for making new friends, having fun, and learning new things.”
Attendees can also learn about Chemeketa’s programs of study, high school partnerships, transfer options and more. Hulett said many of Oregon’s four-year colleges will be on-site to talk to students about their options for a four-year degree. One attendee who completes a “PATHport” activity by visiting specified vendors or programs will win a scholarship to cover enrollment at Chemeketa for fall 2022 through spring 2023, up to $5,000.
More information about the fair is available on the Chemeketa website.
-Rachel Alexander
