Brothers Osborne Rock the Campus Green for Admitted Students Day

Annual spring event showcases the best Washington has to offer to the class of 2030

Washington College hosted award-winning stars Brothers Osborne on Saturday, April 11 to cap off a day of live music on the Campus Green with a private concert for the college community. Serving as a raucous end to the annual Admitted Students Day, the free event drew a large crowd of students, faculty, staff, and over 140 visiting families for an unforgettable afternoon of feel good vibes and community celebration. 

Brothers Osborne, known for hits like “Stay a Little Longer,” “Younger Me,” and “It Ain't My Fault,” delivered an energetic set that capped off a transformational day for the Class of 2030. The campus was transformed into an open-air festival, with attendees enjoying 10 food trucks and a beer truck for those over 21. 

Admitted Students Day, the annual weekend on campus event throw by Admission each spring, kicked off with festivities Friday evening at the Golden Goose with alum Chris Ellinghaus '83 and a grill-out hosted by alumni couple Andy and Karen Bucklee '82 '84. On Saturday, the Student Events Board hosted the first ever Wild West Music Fest on the Campus Green. The fest featured performances by Kentavius Jones '04 M'15 and a student rock band, along with a mechanical bull, an inflatable obstacle course, a petting zoo, and crafts. 

For the nearly 400 guests in attendance, the day offered a deep dive into life at Washington College. Admitted students met with faculty to explore academics, toured the campus, and attended a special Fellows & Scholars Reception. In a new initiative this year, enrolled students were even able to select their specific dorm rooms at Caroline House, providing a tangible look at their future home. 

“It was a joy to see so many happy families, excited prospective students, and engaged alumni across campus throughout the day,” said Interim President Bryan Matthews '75 M'86 P'12 in an email to the campus community after the event. “The energy carried from event to event—from the exuberant check-ins and tours of the morning to the lively Wild West Music Fest to a great concert in the evening.” 

The event served a vital purpose for the College's newest recruits. For those who had already committed, the day provided confirmation of their choice; for those still considering Washington as an option, the experience offered touch points and access to help them make a decision about their next four years and get a true feeling of what the campus feels like when it comes alive. 

“The campus truly came together to make Saturday successful,” said Johnnie Johnson, vice president for enrollment management. “Our buildings and grounds and maintenance folks made the campus look beautiful inside and out. The faculty stepped up to show students and their families how successful they could be academically. The housing and student life team allowed students to choose their rooms, something new to entice families to commit. Our student workers showed the true essence of being thriving young adults at Washington College." 

The music continued long after the main stage went dark, as guests headed to the Golden Goose directly after the concert for more live performances. The weekend stands as a testament to the vibrant student life and welcoming atmosphere that await the incoming Class of 2030. 

- Dominique Ellis Falcon