Crowds interested in learning about college opportunities

The fair continues to attract large numbers of people despite the cold weather yet again. From the start of the day, we have been flying through our Minnesota State Colleges and Universities pencils. Everyone is stocking up on those back-to-school supplies. The crowds at the booth have been keeping us very busy informing everyone on how important education is and how our colleges and universities can give them a bright future.

From right, President Don Supalla and Mike Bequette from Rochester Community and Technical College visit with a young fairgoer.

Today we had President Don Supalla of Rochester Community and Technical College visit us at the booth. He said enrollment is up almost 10 percent this fall at the college, and they even had to expand their main parking lots to accommodate the large increase in students.

Bemidji State University President Jon Quistgaard meets visitors at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities booth in the Education Building.

The afternoon brought a small rise in temperature and a welcoming visit from President Jon Quistgaard of Bemidji State University. He had some fun with the spin-to-win game while interviewing contestants as they tested their luck for many of the great prizes given away every hour here at our booth.

President Quistgaard leads contestants in the popular "Wheel of Luck" while telling them about Bemidji State University.

The literature racks in the booth offer information about all of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

It has been very pleasing to see so many people stopping by with questions and concerns and obtaining brochures and booklets of information that are available for free. With 32 different colleges and universities on 54 campuses, we have a lot of brochures to choose from, and we hope all of you come down to the fair and stop by and visit.
- Justin