Big VSU weekend of visitors planned as campus hosts its 25thAnniversary of Governor's Honors Program, a new FreshmanOrientation session, and PRAXIS, ACT Exams

An economic boost to Valdosta and Lowndes County is expected June 12 and 13 as Valdosta State University will be headquarters for a number of special weekend activities, including VSU's 25th Anniversary of hosting the prestigious Governor's Honors Program. In addition, Valdosta State will hold one of its largest ?Blazer Beginnings? Freshman Orientation sessions on Saturday, June 12 and separately will be giving the PRAXIS educational test and ACT exams the same day.

?About 400 people have signed up to take the PRAXIS exam and another 150 will be taking the ACT,? said VSU's Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Kurt Keppler. ?Also on Saturday we will be hosting about 620 freshman and their parents for the Freshman Orientation session.? Keppler said several more orientation sessions are planned during the summer.

GHP staff have been on campus since June 6 and some 675 select students from around the state of Georgia and their parents will be arriving Sunday, June 13. The GHP students will be moving into a VSU residence hall that day as they prepare for their six-week stay on campus. They?ll participate in a summer instructional program designed to provide intellectually gifted and artistically talented high school students challenging and enriching educational opportunities not usually available during the regular school year. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of VSU hosting the Governor's Honors Program, which is coordinated by the Georgia Department of Education.

Keppler, who has responsibility for VSU orientation activities, said the VSU campus would be especially busy on Saturday.

?I hope we can meet everyone,? said Keppler. ?These sessions are a good way to get folks started on the right track as they begin their college careers.?
Keppler said he anticipates Valdosta area restaurants and motels will be especially active over the weekend as parents and students stay overnight to see the VSU campus and, in some cases, move-in for the summer.