Campus News

Chamber, Wisp, College again partner on welcome event as academic year starts

Record 108 students participate in fun-filled activities

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, Wisp Resort, and Garrett College teamed up to put on a record-setting welcome lunch last Friday to celebrate the start of another new academic year.

A record 108 students participated in the event, which included lunch and activities at the Wisp Resort. Students had free access to the mountain coaster, ski-lift rides, disc golf, and the new, 18-hole miniature golf course on the Wisp grounds.

"This is a great event to showcase what our area has to offer," said Rich Schofield, GC's director of student development. "Our students who are from outside the county are able to realize that Garrett College has more to offer than just the great education and wonderful facilities on campus.

"This event has done a lot the past few years to kickstart students' love not just of Garrett College, but of Garrett County and the surrounding areas as well," added Schofield.

"It's a nice day – sunny and warm and fun," said GC student Lucas Bridger, who's accustomed to cooler weather in his native Mississauga, Ontario.

Student Cheyenne Zack, who was taking on Bridger in a spirited round of miniature golf, agreed.

"I'm having a fun day," said Zack.

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, the Wisp Resort, and Garrett College offered a welcome lunch and activities at the Wisp last Friday to celebrate the start of another academic year at the College. Pictured, left to right, on the Wisp's ski lift are Garrett College freshmen Ruby Molloy, Jacquelyn Jeffreys, and Jorjalynn Ward.

A record 108 students turned out last Friday for the welcome lunch and activities jointly sponsored by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, the Wisp Resort, and Garrett College. Students, pictured left to right, are Daniel Black, Manuela de Perez, Carmello Myles, Jamir Newell, Renee Timbers, and Daisya Brown.

"The mini-golf course just opened up last September," said Lisa Ratliff, Wisp's director of sales. "It's been very busy all summer."

Student Gavin Jackson said the mountain coaster was a deceptively entertaining ride.

"I'm not going to lie to you – in the beginning it was a little scary," said Jackson with a laugh. "It's been a fun afternoon."

"I've been wanting to do this [visit the Wisp] for a while," said Jamire Braxton, a freshman from Uniontown, PA. "When Gavin told me about this [event], I was really happy."

"The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce was excited to provide this opportunity," said Holly Lane, project and group manager for the Chamber. "We were able to showcase some of the fun activities in Garrett County and make the students, some of whom are away from home for the first time, feel welcome.

"We hope after graduation from Garrett College these students will want to become full-time residents here and contribute to our workforce," continued Lane.

"We just want to be part of the community and welcome the students to the county," said Ratliff. "We hope they will see what a great place this is and want to come back here to live and work after graduation."

Drew Catone, GC's student activities manager, noted the event attracted students from "other cities, other states, and even other countries."

"This event highlights the strong partnership between the College and the county business community," added Catone.

Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president, said the College is grateful for the partnership with the Chamber and Wisp Resort, which began in 2019.

"I really appreciate the commitment the Chamber and the Wisp have made to supporting our students," said Midcap. "This is a great way to kick off a new academic year."