Vaughn College held its first open house event of the fall semester on November 15. More than 160 prospective students and their guests attended to hear about Vaughn’s degree programs in engineering, technology, management and aviation, tour the campus and learn what living and learning at Vaughn would be like. 

Vaughn College Assistant Vice President of Admissions Anna Ragno kicked off the day with welcome remarks followed by Vaughn’s President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo,. DeVivo introduced the attendees to the vision of the College—to change the world one student at a time with a transformational education that provides a lifetime of opportunity — and noted the nationwide No. 1 in upward mobility ranking Vaughn received which supports that vision. Attendees also heard about the Vaughn guarantee and the support they could expect from the academic services, career services and student affairs departments to help them succeed on their college journey and land their dream job. 

One of the prospective students in attendance was US Army service member Joseph Perrault who currently serves as an uncrewed aerial vehicle drone pilot for the army, piloting the General Atomics MQ-1C Grey Eagle. Originally from New Orleans, Perrault met DeVivo and Dr. Hossein Rahemi, chair of the engineering department, at a robotics engineering competition several years ago. Speaking with DeVivo and Rahemi left such a positive impact on Perrault, he decided he would attend Vaughn College after discharging from the army. He currently plans on starting his education at Vaughn in 2026.  

 Also in attendance was Maryland native Salama Rivera who came to Vaughn to hear about the College’s recently approved enhanced air traffic control program. A family member of Rivera’s was a former deputy administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration and suggested she check out the College and its offerings.  

During the day attendees were able to attend sessions on college affordability, scholarships and financial aid options to help finance their education, in addition to hearing about the academic and maintenance degrees and certifications.. An activity and engagement fair was also offered in the hangar where prospective students and their families could have a one-on-one conversation with professors to learn more about Vaughn’s programs.  

The next fall open house is scheduled for Saturday, December 6.