Terps in Times Square

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The University of Maryland's roaring terrapin took center stage in New York's Times Square this week, making his extra-big screen debut on a Broadway jumbotron and drawing hundreds of alumni and prospective students to exciting events nearby. A Fear the Turtle spot will run above ABC's Good Morning America studios nine times a day through November 27. The oversized—but still lovable—Terp roars out three stories above bustling Manhattan sidewalks and spreads the message of Maryland's success to an increasingly important audience. More students come to the university from New York than from any other state besides Maryland, and university officials are making a push to keep it that way. "We've never had this kind of presence in New York before," says Barbara Gill, director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. "It is a great place for the admissions office to be because there are so many bright prospective students here." More than 80 potential students turned out for a dessert reception at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Thursday night, munching on University of Maryland logo cookies and peppering officials with questions about everything from the new SATs to study abroad opportunities. They were joined by about 120 parents, as well as dozens of New York-area alumni who turned The Great White Way into Red and Gold Way for a few hours. This fall, the Alumni Association and the admissions office are coordinating activities to bring together graduates and potential students. It's a chance for Terps to reminisce and network, then share their Maryland experiences with high school juniors and seniors. In all, there have been eight admissions events in the New York and New Jersey area this fall, in addition to 10 high school visits by Maryland admission counselors. With its bright colors and quick flashes of action, the video display plays to the same age group counselors aim to attract to the university and its great programs. And airing across the street from MTV's TRL live studio and on the same screen as ads for the XBOX game console and the latest video from R&B's Usher won't hurt in that department. In fact, Gill expects it will further the image of both the university and the humble diamondback terrapin. "I'm amazed at how many people across the country are recognizing Fear the Turtle now," she says. "It used to be that you didn't even see Maryland clothing in athletic stores. But now we always seem to be right out there in front." And we're not taking a bow any time soon.