The semi-annual Grad Fair is in full swing at the University Bookstore’s new location on the ground floor of Harrelson Hall.
“It’s a full set up of graduation needs,” Debra Goode, one of the many people in charge of coordinating the fair, said.
Goode encouraged all students graduating in December or May to come by the Grad Fair.
“[Students] can pick up their cap and gowns, they can pick up diploma frames, and they can get information on their rings,” Goode said.
The fair is a one-stop shop for a graduate’s needs. At the fair, anything from graduation announcements, to N.C . State plates and glasses, to University apparel can be picked up.
A photographer is also available to take free proofs of the grads in their caps and gowns.
Although merchandise is one of the primary focuses of the fair, a table is also set up for the graduates to give back by donating money to their chosen area of the University.
Junior Hannah Willoughby was staffing the senior gift table on Tuesday.
“It’s really important that you give your senior class gift so that you can leave your legacy at State,” Willoughby said.
There are a variety of ways to give, including monthly and yearly. There is no set amount required. Students can give any amount that will fit into their budget.
Willoughby explained, “this year is a little different because you can pick where you want your money to go.”
Everywhere from the First Year College to the Marching Band Fund can receive the money donated by graduating students.
The way you can give to the senior gift is not the only thing that is changed at this year’s fair; 2011 marks the first year it is held in the bookstore’s new location.
Goode explained that there is a lot more space to work with in Harrelson as opposed to the old location in Talley.
With more space comes more room for grads to closely examine all of the things the fair has to offer.
The Grad Fair will be the first time for some students to view the design of class rings, cap and gowns, and announcement fonts.
For Samantha Rich, who is graduating in December with an MA in Public History, coming to the Grad Fair makes her choosing the way she wants things to be on graduation day a lot simpler.
“It is a lot easier to see things in person than it is online,” Rich said.
With a 10 percent off discount on caps and gowns and even snacks provided when you walk in, graduates have even bigger incentives to come by the bookstore and see what the Grad Fair has to offer.
The Grad Fair started yesterday and will continue until Nov. 10. It is open from 10 a.m . to 4 p.m . every day.
