Thousands turn out to support town, university at annual Pembroke Day

By Greg Larose
Contributing Writer

            Under partly cloudy skies, students, faculty and many townspeople turned out for Pembroke Day Sept. 12.
            The live music and games attracted many towards Pembroke Day. 
            “Close to 4,000 showed up,” said Associate Director of University Relations Scott Bigelow.  “It was a resounding success and gets bigger and better every year.”
            There were 38 vendors and 45 clubs and organizations at Pembroke Day. 
            Organizations used poster boards, games and candy to try to attract those that were in attendance for the event. 
            Many organizations held raffles to try to make money and attract people towards their organization.
            “I think it’s a great way for the community and the campus to come together,” said senior and Public Relations Student Society of America President Lauren Allen.
            There was also a good assortment of foods for those in attendance, ranging from barbecue to potato salad.  The school’s cafeteria company Sodexho served food to 2,719 people.
            One of the organizations, The National Council of Negro Women, promoted health, economic development, education and self awareness through brochures and links to their website at their booth. 
            Sororities and fraternities, such as Latin sorority Lambda Theta Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and fraternity Zeta Tau Alpha, had displays to recruit new members and to make others aware of what their organization had to offer.
            “We hope Pembroke Day diversifies those that are interested in joining each different organization,” said sophomore and African Student Organization Vice President Nana Michelle Bentsi-Enchill.
            Pembroke Day started 19 years ago after a meeting with Pembroke town officials and then Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs James B. Chavis.