Media Releases
2008 DCTC College Showcase Destined to Shimmer as Destination: Education
March 5, 2008
Full Deal or No Deal giveaway game debuts this year; two contestants play for chance to win full-ride scholarship to academic program of their choice.
On Wednesday, March 26, 2008, the central commons area on campus at Dakota County Technical College will hit the spot as Destination: Education for 3,000 guests attending the fifth-annual DCTC College Showcase.
Sponsored by numerous area businesses, the event takes place after hours from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and features free parking and free admission. All are welcome to attend this exciting and informative community event.
In partnership with the six Dakota County Chambers of Commerce, the College Showcase gives area residents the chance to explore DCTC and learn more about the college's programs and business partners in a comfortable yet dynamic setting. Guests can sample free food provided by 17 surrounding restaurants while visiting with DCTC faculty, staff, students and admissions representatives.
Faculty and coaches from the college's 50-plus academic and sports programs will staff booths and interactive displays to provide information, offer demonstrations and answer questions. Students, both current and prospective, can network with area business leaders to discover the benefits of partnerships between industry and higher education.
Erin Larsen, director of marketing and communications at DCTC, announced that this year's College Showcase would include a scholarship giveaway game called Full Deal or No Deal, which is based on the popular NBC game show Deal or No Deal.
"Our version of the game will give two contestants the opportunity to win full-ride scholarships to any academic program offered at the college," Larsen said. "We'll have 26 cases with various cash amounts just like the real show. For each contestant, one of the cases will contain the top scholarship prize."
Greg Miller, Dakota Electric CEO and chairman of the DCTC Foundation, will serve as host, a job covered on the small screen by Canadian comedian Howie Mandel. Scott Ramsdale, president of Anchor Bank in Apple Valley, will stand in for the mysterious Banker, in this case as the "Anchor Banker."
"We're introducing Full Deal or No Deal to spotlight concerns about rising tuition costs," Larsen said. "We also wish to recognize nontraditional students who are searching for ways to finance degrees that are often needed for a career change."
People interested in participating as contestants in Full Deal or No Deal, which will commence at 7:45 p.m., should stop by the admissions booth during the College Showcase to register for a drawing.
All proceeds raised through Showcase sponsorships are directed toward need-based scholarships for DCTC students. Guests wishing to donate toward student scholarships should visit the DCTC Foundation booth.
Other attractions at the event include an interactive booth explaining DCTC's Green Campus Commitment, a children's activity area, a gallery of Service Learning Projects, and a free individual and family portrait shoot conducted by faculty and students in the college's Photography program.
Sharon LaComb, DCTC vice president of institutional advancement, expressed excitement about the upcoming College Showcase. "This is our fifth consecutive year showcasing our college and every year the event keeps growing," LaComb said. "Destination: Education will be without doubt the best Showcase yet."