By JACK MONK

Eastern Michigan University was chosen to be a part of Amazon Prime’s show “The College Tour” to showcase the University’s diverse community. Ten students at the University will share their experience and college journey. 

Katie Condon-Martin, vice president of enrollment management, talked about how this will give better exposure for anyone interested in attending EMU.

“We wanted to find unique stories, not the same story,” Condon-Martin said. “We are the first public institution in Michigan to participate.”

“Regardless of where you live, if you’re an alum or a prospective student, you all have access to the same material to watch all the awesome things happening on campus,” Condon-Martin said.

Graduate student Vhenna Villareal and senior Lamarr Mitchell will be featured in the show. Villarreal talks about what she wants to showcase at EMU.

“I sincerely love the community here like I chose Eastern, but I choose to stay and that whole idea that I get to stand on because of all the support I have recieved.” Villareal said.

Lamarr similarly believes Eastern is a great choice for “The College Tour.”

“At Eastern we have a lot of good people here, a lot of good programs, very specific minors and majors that most universities don’t offer,” Lamarr said.

Vhenna talks about why she feels proud being featured.

“Taking it in and just being like, I get to do this. And I get to represent my community, my office, my people, but ultimately at the end of the day, I love Eastern and this is what I do,” Villareal said.

“I think, realistically, I’m just happy to be a part of something bigger than myself and help out the University and get people. I think just getting people together,” Lamarr said.

According to Condon-Martin, the pre-production for the filming started as early as February. Through the production’s 10-week schedule, the University has been attempting to highlight unique places on campus.   

“The two major components of the show that I wanted to show were the amazing facilities we have on this campus and all the lab spaces, study spaces, and new residence halls and apartment complex, all this to make this a conducive environment for learning and professional growth for our students,” said Condon-Martin.

Condon-Martin then talked about how she feels people can get the best out of watching EMU on “The College Tour.”

“It showcases student stories. It’s not me as the vice president telling everyone EMU is; it’s students who took advantage of every opportunity they’ve been given here at EMU to make the most out of their education,” Condon-Martin said.

All students featured in “The College Tour” were given a shared LinkedIn to connect with other students featured in “The College Tour.” Those interested can view “The College Tour” on Amazon Prime later this summer.