April 15, 2009 - Celebrate CSUB!, a university-wide open house, returns for a day of free fun and educational activities for the entire family

The third annual event is slated for Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the main California State University, Bakersfield campus. An estimated 2,000 visitors will enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including musical competitions and children's events.

The day's activities start with a 5K Fun Run/Walk and pancake breakfast. The Student Union, Associated Students, Inc. and Student Affairs will host their spring carnival and club faire. The carnival has something for everyone, including bounce houses, tours of the Kern County Sheriff's Department helicopter, an opportunity to meet members of Bakersfield Police Department's SWAT unit, art projects and more. A wide assortment of food vendors will also be on hand to fill empty stomachs or quench the thirst of visitors

"This year at Celebrate CSUB! the blue and gold goes green," said Evelyn Coyle, Celebrate CSUB! chairwoman. "The university's roots are firmly planted in the green movement, and we have undertaken an aggressive plan to reduce campus energy use by 15 percent. We want to share our efforts with the community and share ways we can all 'go green' in our everyday lives.

"Whether you are alumni and have not been on campus for some time or a local resident who has not yet ventured to campus, Celebrate CSUB! is a great opportunity to discover or rediscover your university."

Other major activities include:

CSUB faculty will be on hand to discuss academic majors, programs and courses. This is an excellent opportunity for prospective and current students and their parents to interact one-on-one with faculty to discuss research opportunities, the study abroad program and specific courses of study.

Sustainability and renewable energy will be highlighted by earth-friendly exhibitors. Job seekers may wish to explore green collar job opportunities at the "green" careers expo. Tours will also be offered of CSUB's newest environmentally friendly buildings, Science III and the Student Recreation Center.

Visitors of all ages are encouraged to participate in "Circle Painting," a collaborative community art project along the sidewalk of the new Science III building. The interactive, simple, and colorful nature of Circle Painting has made it a phenomenal success around the U.S and overseas. Help create Bakersfield's version of the stunning large-scale painting designed around a circle theme. No artistic talent is necessary. For information, contact Mike Butler at (661) 654-2100.

Attendees may also support the community's youth through the Heinrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic's "Luggage of Love" luggage drive. Donations of new and lightly used suitcases and duffle bags will benefit local foster youth.

Back by popular demand is "CSUB Idol," a local take on Fox's popular television singing competition. Preliminaries will take place on Saturday, April 18 in the music building, room 127. Finalists will face-off the day of Celebrate CSUB! starting at 11 a.m. Deadline to register for the preliminaries is Wednesday, April 15 at 5 p.m. The contest is open to solo vocal acts only. The winner will receive a cash prize, as well as professional studio recording time donated by Jesus Shack. For information, contact Robert Provencio at (661) 654-3073.

Freshman Day and parent orientation also will be in full swing during Celebrate CSUB!. About 400 first-time freshmen and their parents are expected to be on campus to register for the fall quarter and attend orientation sessions. Steve Watkin, CSUB outreach director, said students from Kern, Los Angeles and Tulare counties will be attending.

Two orientation sessions are available for admitted freshmen, one at 8 a.m. and another at 10 a.m. at the Doré Theatre. A general orientation presentation is scheduled for students and their parents. President Horace Mitchell is scheduled to welcome admitted freshmen. During the orientation presentation, students will learn about university policies as well as academic and co-curricular offerings. It will be a great opportunity for freshmen students and their parents to explore CSUB together.

Immediately following each orientation presentation, students will meet with the deans of the four schools and an adviser to register for classes. The soon-to-be Roadrunners and their parents will meet for lunch and then have the rest of the afternoon to participate in Celebrate CSUB! activities.

Students are advised to sign up for one of the two orientation sessions before arriving for Freshman Day. Cost to attend the orientation and lunch is $35. For information please call (661) 654-3138.

Event sponsors include 29 The Eyewitness News Station/Fox 58, Hot 94.1, Aera Energy LLC, Blue Sky Partners, Sierra Club, Southern California Gas Company, Pepsi Bottling Company, Terrio Therapy-Fitness, and Jesus Shack. Admission and parking for Celebrate CSUB! are free. For a complete schedule of events, log on to www.csub.edu/celebrate or call 654-2175.