EIU Media Relations

EIU, Local Students Take Part in Admissions Efforts

Derek Pierce decided to take matters in his own hands, again, this year.

The Mattoon native is tired of local students saying “It’s Just Eastern.” That’s why the sophomore finance and accounting major at Eastern Illinois University organized another informational session to set the record straight. The session included an informal chat about common misconceptions and myths about EIU and the collegiate experience.

“I know local students feel like they know everything about EIU,” Pierce said. “Yet, once you are on (EIU’s) campus, it’s a completely different world behind the castle.”

Pierce wasn’t alone leading the session.  Other EIU and Mattoon natives, including his friend, Luke Young, a sophomore finance major, joined him.     

The session, which took place earlier this month, was the second session organized by Pierce and Young since 2014.

Both envision the chats materializing into a formal program as they train a new group of MHS graduates and EIU students to organize the sessions.

Like the MHS students, Pierce said he understands the tough decision ahead of each student as they make their college decision. That’s why he brought along the EIU students from Mattoon.

“It is always nice to see the admissions representative come and talk, but it is different when you see someone you actually know come and talk,” Pierce said.

Some of the EIU students who attended included students of different majors and interests.

For Pierce, the decision to choose EIU was based on great faculty and professors who care about their students, the opportunities to earn leadership roles and the affordable price.

In the sessions, he reassures students that they will find their place on campus. For Pierce, his place on campus is with his fraternity, Sigma Chi, and as a tour guide in the Admissions Office.

As a tour guide, Pierce said he has the easiest job on campus because he gets to share why he loves “his” university. Pierce started his job in the office after organizing the informal chats. For more information about attending EIU and campus tours, click here.

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