Stars of 探花族鈥檚 episode of The College Tour were treated to an exclusive premiere of the episode last week, complete with the Green Carpet experience and the big screen.
The students, and now some alumni, brought their family and friends to take part in the premiere. The hour-long episode was shown for the first time in Swisher Theater to the stars and their guests, along with JU students, faculty and staff.
The episode and season 5 finale officially premieres on Amazon Prime on Sept. 1, where prospective students and their families can watch to see what life at 探花族 University is really like.
鈥楾he show is hosted by 鈥�99, winner of 鈥淭he Amazing Race.鈥� Boylan is the host and producer of multiple award-winning shows, including 鈥淭he Chef鈥檚 Table,鈥� 鈥淎nimal Attractions,鈥� 鈥淐BS Buzz Tour,鈥� and 鈥淭he Steve Harvey Show.鈥�
Senior marine science major Samantha O鈥橩eefe starred in the show, sharing her experiences with the Marine Science Research Institute and how it鈥檚 shaped her as she prepares for graduation. She鈥檚 been able to customize her academic experience by adding a chemistry minor to her degree and taking a study abroad research trip to Belize.
O鈥橩eefe said that is all part of why JU was 鈥渢he perfect fit鈥� for her, and why she was so eager to be part of the episode.
鈥淛U has given me so many amazing experiences, especially in research,鈥� said Samantha O鈥橩eefe. 鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely made me a better scientist and student and ultimately I just wanted to show the whole world why I love the Marine Science program here, and what makes me passionate every day.鈥�
James Demps 鈥�22, a theatre arts major and business administration minor, starred in the show as a senior. Demps lived on campus all four years, and was part of numerous organizations, such as the Infinitus vocal group, residential life and Finprov on campus. He shared his experiences with campus life on the show, and why he never regretted getting involved on campus.
As a theatre major, Demps has spent his fair share of time on stage, but this was his first experience being on camera.
鈥淚t was wonderful, honestly the entire crew was so sweet,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 have a tendency to talk too fast and they definitely helped me a lot with that. It was a 10 out of 10.鈥�
Although Sommer Kinsler was just a freshman at the time of filming, her passion for JU shined through. In her first year, she already hosted events on campus, such as the Black History Month concert, and was elected vice president of the Student Government Association. She wanted to attend a school where she could get involved 鈥渞ight away,鈥� she said.
鈥淚t was a lot of fun, the crew was very supportive and genuinely wanted us to tell our stories and be true to ourselves,鈥� Kinsler said. 鈥淛U is genuinely such a great place and I love that people are getting to learn about it.鈥�
