See Augusta Hosts First-Ever Admitted Jaguar Celebration

Jamison Guice

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

See Augusta helps solidify a prospective student’s interest in becoming a Jaguar with a full day dedicated to exploring Augusta University’s colleges and schoolsacademic programs, campus life, residence halls, labs and on-campus support. This spring’s event also featured the first-ever Admitted Jaguar Celebration at the Douglas Barnard, Jr. Amphitheater, welcoming accepted, incoming students at the start of their Jaguar journey and connecting them with campus leadership, faculty, staff and current students. 

The event welcomed 694 total guests, including 247 prospective students and 119 admitted students, who explored how they can help, serve, create, heal and lead through distinctive programs, career paths and hands-on experiences. Personalized tracks allowed attendees to select the tours and sessions that interested them most, covering topics such as transferringfinancial aid, the admissions process, student life and what comes after being admitted. 

“I am thrilled to have hosted our largest ever See Augusta for prospective students and families,” said Amy Smith, EdD, acting vice president of Enrollment and Student Affairs. “I am proud of how our faculty and staff came together to welcome the potential new Jags to campus. Visiting campus and interacting with our community is critical to deciding if Augusta University could be the right next step in their educational journey.”

At its core, See Augusta helps students develop an immediate sense of belonging – both on campus and in the Augusta community – to help them step into a new chapter feeling confident, supported and genuinely excited about what is ahead.

 

“What makes See Augusta so meaningful is the collaboration behind it,” said Sam Reece, coordinator of campus visit experience with Undergraduate Admissions. “When campus departments and community partners come together, we’re able to show students the full range of support available to them, so they don’t just know resources exist but feel empowered to actually use them and make the most of their experience.”

After a year at Augusta Technical College, Isaya Nyakatura is excited to take the next step in his journey by transferring to Augusta University to pursue a degree in theatre. He values a campus that is near his support system, family and friends, who support his dream of making it on the big screen.  

“I grew up here for most of my life,” he said. “I came from Greenville, South Carolina, and my family’s just really guiding me on a path of greatness.” 

Nyakatura’s passion for acting began with watching childhood television shows on Nickelodeon and Disney Channel. With a college degree to propel him into the job field, he plans to kick start his acting career after graduation. 

He attended See Augusta to learn more about transferring and hopes to begin his next chapter as a Jaguar next fall, confident that the campus and student body will be welcoming. 

Poorvi Roopesh, a junior at the FCS Innovation Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia, attended See Augusta to connect with advisors, professors and students, hoping to gauge the campus culture and see if it aligns with her goals. She first discovered AU through its cutting-edge health sciences programs and is considering a major in either pre-dental studies or pre-nursing.  

With a passion for service, Roopesh has already begun applying for hospital internships and taking on leadership roles, such as raising $800 to support menstrual hygiene efforts in Nigeria, showing her commitment to helping people both in her community and worldwide. 

“I have always been passionate about giving back to my community, and throughout high school, I worked to develop my resume through service,” Roopesh said. “Through those experiences, I realized that a career in the medical field is how I want to help people. At the same time, I want to enter the workforce as soon as possible, which is why I’m not pursuing the traditional medical school path. Instead, I’m prioritizing a career where I can prioritize both my goals and my passion for helping others.” 

With an overarching goal to learn more about AU’s academic programs, she focused on sessions and tracks that would inform her on the best path ahead. 

CSRA local Alice Bullard, a senior at Harlem High School, was among the pool of accepted students invited to the afternoon’s Admitted Jaguar Celebration. She was especially impressed by the morning’s welcome, which featured performances by AU SharkaraAU Korean ClubAU Dance Team and the AU Cheer Team

With a passion for community and learning, Bullard intends to major in early childhood education where she can have a hand in molding the young minds of tomorrow.  

“Everyone can make an impact in the world through their career, and it’s important to be fully educated in the path that you choose,” Bullard said. “With a focus in early childhood education, I’d teach young children and have the opportunity to build a strong foundation for their future. Not everyone wants to and can do this job, and I want to do it the best that I can.” 

See Augusta offers two events per year – one in the spring and one in the fall – so that prospective students can take an intentional day to immerse themselves into AU’s rich academic offerings and community. The next event will take place in Fall 2026, with more information available here.