Tomorrow: Eastern to host exclusive episode premiere of Amazon Prime's 'The College Tour'

Willimantic, CT (02/18/2025) — Eastern Connecticut State University is thrilled to announce the exclusive premiere of its feature episode on Amazon Prime Video's acclaimed series "The College Tour." The event will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 19, in the Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC) Concert Hall from 2:30 - 4 p.m., offering attendees a sneak-peak look at this Hollywood production showcasing Eastern's vibrant campus community.

The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Reserve up to two tickets at:

https://easternstutickets.showare.com/orderticketsarea.asp?p=412&a=14&src=eventperformances

Premiere Event:

2:30 p.m.: Preshow party featuring a glitter blue carpet walkway and mocktails
3 p.m.: Screening of 30-minute episode
3:30: Live Q&A session with the episode's student cast

Highlighting the stories of nine current students and one alumnus, the episode showcases the people, programs, and places that make Eastern a special place for learning, growth, and community.

"'The College Tour' team has done a phenomenal job capturing the essence of Eastern, but what stands out most is the remarkable group of students and proud alum featured in this episode," Eastern President Karim Ismaili. "Their stories reflect the energy, passion, and diverse experiences that define life at Connecticut's public liberal arts university. I couldn't be more excited for audiences nationwide to see what makes Eastern such a special place when the episode premieres on streaming platforms this spring."

During the event, President Ismaili will also present the cast members with a commemorative Eastern desk lamp, engraved with their names.

Filming for "The College Tour" took place during the fall 2024 semester; the episode will be available on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming platforms later this spring.

Featured Cast Members:

Brayden Alexis (Trumbull, CT)
Hailey Cocca (Stratford, CT)
Emily Conte (Wallingford, CT)
Katherine Escalante (Sioux Falls, SD)
Jaime Rankins (Cromwell, CT)
Jaiden Sorrell (Northford, CT)
Erik Suzio (Meriden, CT)
Ian Valeta (West Haven, CT)
Kylie Vermilya (East Lyme, CT)
Chris Weedon '15 (Simsbury, CT)

About 'The College Tour':

Established in 2020 by a team of award-winning Hollywood producers, The College Tour was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, making it easier for prospective students to explore campuses from home. Hosted and executive produced by Alex Boylan, winner of The Amazing Race in 2002, the series is also co-produced by Lisa Hennessy and Burton Roberts.

Now in its 13th season, The College Tour has showcased more than 160 colleges and universities nationwide, including Connecticut institutions such as Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, and the University of Connecticut. Other featured schools have included Ohio University, the University of Vermont, the University of Texas at Austin, Iowa State University, and the University of Oregon.

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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually on its Willimantic campus. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 15 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.