Dean College Welcomes High School students at Gillette Stadium

High School Seniors and their families stand in front of the Dean College logo at Gillette Stadium. Photo Credit: The Dean Daily

Over 100 prospective students joined Dean College for the annual “Behind the Stands” event at Gillette Stadium.

The “Behind the Stands” event featured multiple speakers and a student panel to give prospective business, entertainment, and sports management students a look into what Dean College can provide. Dean College has an exclusive partnership with the Kraft Group that gives students a unique opportunity to have a connection with this organization that is only twenty minutes away from campus.

They heard from Brian Earley, a general manager at the Kraft Group, about how the Kraft Group and Gillette value the partnership and their point of view of it. Students also heard from Dean professor, John Rooke, who emphasized the importance of gaining real life experience while in college. Every Dean student is required to complete an internship to graduate, so they go into the workforce already having experience.

Panel of current students from Dean College and including Emily Yeo. An alumni of Dean College is a New England Patriots Cheerleader. Photo Credit: Dean College

From there, a panel of current students shared their experiences that they’ve had while at Dean. Elliot Steinberg, a junior at Dean, is currently working with Patriot Place as a marketing intern. He is also studying abroad in Milan, Italy next semester and is looking to work with the marketing team for the Winter Olympics. Ariella Sullivan, a sophomore, was Patriot Place’s intern over the summer.

Other students have found internships and opportunities with Dean’s other partnerships or on their own often with guidance from Dean professors. Sam Smith, a senior, spent the summer with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and also got the chance to call a Providence Bruins hockey game last spring. The Providence Bruins also have a partnership with Dean College.

Next, students learned about the academic programs that Dean has to offer including an interactive career fair with current Dean professors and students at booths for most of Dean’s major programs.

With Dean’s partnership with Kraft, they were also able to organize a stadium tour of Gillette’s facilities and commodities. Students were able to see the main field, practice fields, the visiting locker room, club levels, suites, and travel to the top of the lighthouse.

Stephen Ursprung, Dean of School of the Arts, talking with prospect parents and students. Photo Credit: The Dean Daily

After closing remarks from Ed Connor, the Dean of Admissions, the Kraft Group provided raffle prizes including signed footballs, Patriots tickets, and signed soccer balls. Following that, students were given the chance to tour the Patriots Hall of Fame to end the day.