by Claire Miller
Carrie Pribas (B.S.E. ’98) enjoyed coming to Georgia State University’s downtown Atlanta campus when she was working toward her early childhood education degree in the College of Education.
But as an Alpharetta resident, she understands why the university chose to establish a satellite campus for students who want to take classes closer to home.
“I liked coming downtown, taking my major classes and teaching in so many local schools,” she said. “But I’m excited to hear that Georgia State has expanded outside the perimeter. It’s nice to give students that option.”
Pribas was one of several college alumni to get a glimpse of the new GSU Alpharetta Center during the COE Alumni Club’s Back to School Celebration on Aug. 20.
Attendees enjoyed free barbeque, live music and other family-friendly activities, such as face painting and taking photos with the GSU cheerleaders and Pounce, the university’s mascot.
They also had the opportunity to tour the 45,000-square-foot facility in Alpharetta, which features a number of state-of-the-art classrooms, places to study and free parking for faculty, staff and students.
Pribas brought her husband and two children to the event, which she said was a great way to support the COE as it expands beyond metro-Atlanta.
“Georgia State is a great school, and when I found out that this event was happening in Alpharetta, I knew I wanted to bring my family here,” she said. “This is a really great facility.”
Additionally, attendees brought school supplies to donate to Project One-on-One, an educational mentor initiative through the Children's Restoration Network.
“This event allowed us to satisfy our goal to collect schools supplies for more than 50 kids,” said Elisa Tate, COE Alumni Club coordinator. “Everyone seemed to have a great time and enjoyed touring the new Alpharetta Center. I hope this event helps increase awareness of the center and encourages people to support Project One-on-One and the children it serves.”
For more information about the COE Alumni Club, visit http://education.gsu.edu/main/alumni.htm.
