The pathways of Elizabethtown College buzzed with energy on Saturday morning as hundreds of families explored campus for the school’s largest-ever Fall Open House. With 252 prospective students in attendance, the day marked a milestone for the College’s admissions season, and for one of its newest tour guides, it was a milestone of her own.
For sophomore Liliah Dutton, who joined the Blue Jay Ambassador team just a few weeks ago, the event was only her second time leading tours. But her connection to Etown goes back much further than that.
“I’ve been walking these paths since before I was even a student,” Dutton said. “I started coming here for music camp when I was in seventh grade, so I’ve been learning the ins and outs of campus for years.”
Now, as a tour guide, she shares the same campus she once experienced as a visitor, only this time from the other side of the story.
“I remember being in their shoes,” she said. “I came to my first Etown tour not knowing anyone, but I left knowing this was where I wanted to be. Getting to help others find that same feeling, it’s kind of full circle.”
Dutton spent her morning walking families through the Dell, Schlosser Hall and the Brossman Commons, sharing stories about campus life along the way. She said she was amazed by the turnout and the enthusiasm visitors brought with them.
“I’ve never seen campus this full,” she said, “It felt like every corner had something happening, students waving, music playing, parents asking questions.”
According to Vice President for Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications Keri Straub, this fall’s Open Houses drew a total of 579 prospective students, a 16% increase over the previous year. Including events held in spring and summer, the College welcomed 952 attendees in 2025, marking an 11% overall increase from 2024.
“These record numbers showcase Elizabethtown College’s strong reputation as a sought- after institution known for exceptional academics, meaningful experiences and a vibrant campus,” Straub said.
Straub credited the growth to the teamwork across campus. “These successes are possible only through the dedication, support, and collaboration of our students, faculty,staff, and alumni,” she said. “Our guests consistently praise the College’s organization, beautiful campus, hospitality and welcoming community.”
For Dutton, those compliments mean something personal. She said being part of the team that helps create that welcoming atmosphere has made her appreciate Etown in a new way.
“It’s not just about giving directions or listing majors,” she said. “It’s about showing people what community feels like. That’s what makes Etown different.”
As the day wound down and the last families left the Baugher Student Center, Dutton finally had a moment to take it all in: the smiles, the handshakes and the questions answered.
“It’s kind of crazy to think that just a year ago, I was the one holding the campus map,” she said. “Now I get to be part of someone else’s first Etown memory.”
