Media Releases
Media Releases (2009)
6th Annual DCTC College Showcase Goes Gold
Finding Your Golden Ticket to Pure Education
February 27, 2009
More than 3,000 people are expected to attend the 6th Annual DCTC College Showcase, which will rekindle imaginations with a new theme this year. Inspired by the 1971 classic children's movie, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the 2009 College Showcase will spotlight the wonders and opportunities provided by a college education, which shines as the Golden Ticket to prosperity in any economy, troubled or not.
Much in the way Mr. Willy Wonka threw open the gates of his mysterious chocolate factory to the world, DCTC will open its doors to area communities, inviting everyone, from Grandpa Joe to Veruca Salt to Arthur Slugworth, to enjoy a spectacular evening of fun and excitement.
Just press a button and ZING! You're off. — Willy Wonka
Sponsored by area companies and businesses, whose generosity flows like a chocolate river, the event takes place after hours from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on April 1, 2009, and features free parking and free admission—which is almost as helpful as Fizzy Lifting Drinks.
In partnership with the six Dakota County Chambers of Commerce, the College Showcase offers area residents the chance to explore DCTC and discover how a college education is even cooler than a lifetime supply of chocolate. A degree, diploma or certificate earned from DCTC is something no recession can diminish or take away. In a manner of speaking, higher education really is the Everlasting Gobstopper of success.
Showcase Sponsors, Partners & Scrumdidilyyumptious Vendors
Faculty, coaches and Oompa Loompas from the college's 50-plus academic and sports programs will staff booths and interactive displays to provide information, give demos and answer questions. Prospective students can check out the programs and current students can network with area business leaders when they're not turning into giant blueberries or getting teleported into a TV.
Guests can sample free and scrumdidilyyumptious food provided by 16 surrounding restaurants while singing "The Candy Man Can" and "Oompa Loompa Doompa-Dee-Do" with DCTC faculty, staff, students and admissions representatives.
Erin Edlund, director of marketing and communications at DCTC, announced that last year's scholarship giveaway game, Full Deal or No Deal, will return as Gold or No Gold, still following in the suitcases of the popular NBC game show, Deal or No Deal, but switching gears to capture the charm and vision of Willy Wonka.
"Once again 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, or Charlie Bucket, if you will, one of the cases will contain the top scholarship prize."
"Gold or No Gold is the college's way of emphasizing the importance of higher education—especially in uncertain times," Larsen added. "Earning your degree or diploma, pursuing professional development and adding to your skill set are all ways to ensure lasting financial security. DCTC might not be a Wonkavator to a vast chocolate empire, but it's certainly the next best thing."
People interested in participating as contestants in Gold or No Gold, which will commence at 7:45 p.m., should stop by the Admissions Booth during the College Showcase to register for a drawing.
Much to the delight of Mike Teevee, Sam's Club has donated a large-screen TV that will be raffled off during the evening. Showcase guests may participate in the raffle after completing an entertaining and informative scavenger hunt.
Invitations containing Golden Tickets to the 6th Annual DCTC College Showcase can be picked up at the following locations in Dakota County:
- Anchor Bank
- CAP Agency
- Community Action Council
- Cub Foods
- Papa Murphy's
- Sam's Club
- WorkForce Centers
- and many other businesses and organizations!
- you don't need to bring a golden ticket to attend
Everyone is welcome. Bring all your friends and family members. As Mr. Willy Wonka once said, "Hold on tight. I'm not exactly sure what's going to happen."
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.
Sharon LaComb, DCTC vice president of institutional advancement, expressed excitement about the upcoming College Showcase. "This is our sixth consecutive year showcasing our college and every year the event keeps growing," LaComb said. "Your Golden Ticket is sure to be our best Showcase yet."
6th Annual DCTC College Showcase
Your Golden Ticket
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Dakota County Technical College
1300 145th Street East
Rosemount, MN 55068-2999
Contact:
Trudi Greaves at 651-423-8268 or trudi.greaves@dctc.edu
Janet Lekson at 651-423-8249 or janet.lekson@dctc.edu
The JACKPOT, my dear sir! The grand and glorious jackpot! — Willy Wonka
