SANFORD - University Transfer Day, held Dec. 6 at Central Carolina Community College, provided a major boost to students searching for the right four-year institution to continue their studies.

The event, held in the Lee County Campus gym, attracted representatives from 20 four-year colleges and universities to the campus. All were eager to tell the approximately 200 students who attended what their schools offer, what they look for in applicants, how to apply, and to answer any questions the students had.

"The University Transfer Day is pretty good," said student Jerry Khamdy, of Cary. He is earning his Associate in Science degree and wants to transfer to a good engineering school. "Doing research for a school on the Internet doesn't have the personal feel. Here, I can ask in person and get insights and links where I can go for more information."

Institutions with representatives at the event were: University of North Carolina's Chapel Hill, Pembroke, and Wilmington schools; Campbell University, East Carolina University, Elon University, Fort Hays State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Methodist University, N.C. A&T University, N.C. Central University, N.C. State University, St. Andrews University, and William Peace University; as well as Guilford College, Meredith College, Montreat College, Mount Olive College, N.C. Wesleyan College, and the Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham.

Each had a table set up in CCCC's gym with information about their school. Representatives from their admissions offices were on hand to answer questions. One of those was Joe Petrizzi, admissions representative for UNC-Chapel Hill.

"I like to do this, to talk to students who may not be able to come to Chapel Hill to talk with us," he said. "Our mission is to serve students. It's awesome because I was a transfer student to UNC-CH and was in the shoes of the students I'm speaking to today."

University Transfer Day was the culmination of CCCC's University Transfer Week, in which the college's mascot, Charlee Cougar, visited the college's campuses in Chatham, Harnett and Lee counties to raise awareness about University Transfer Day and to encourage students to wear their alumni/favorite college attire.

Those who graduate from CCCC with an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree are assured admission into one of the 16 University of North Carolina system schools. The college also has articulation agreements with many private colleges and universities in the state.

"University Transfer Day is a key component in our effort to support students in the decisions that lead to the completion of their baccalaureate education," said Jon Matthews, CCCC dean of University Transfer and Health Science. "Even in our digital world, there is something uniquely beneficial about meeting face-to-face and having a dialogue with a college or university representative. The questions answered and connections made at this event often serve as the springboard to a student's success at the next level."

Many of the students at University Transfer Day were among the top achievers at the college. One was Nathalia Cruz, of Sanford, who is earning an Associate in Arts and wants to attend a university nursing program. Based on academic and other achievements, she, Caleb Sirry, of Siler City, and Joshua Bray, of Bear Creek, have been nominated by the college for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, which attracts nominations from all over the country. Cruz received an email just before she came to University Transfer Day that she is one of the finalists for it.

"I was honored to be nominated," she said. "I've worked hard to get the best grades I could and am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. I've worked to be active at CCCC. The scholarship would be a really big help in going on to nursing school."

For more information about university transfer programs at CCCC, visit www.cccc.edu/admissions/audience/transfer/.