UAlbany Celebrates College Tour, Campus Ballroom Reopening

By Michael Parker

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 9, 2025) — UAlbany rolled out the purple carpet Thursday night for the world premiere of its episode of "The College Tour" and the grand reopening of the newly renovated Campus Center Ballroom.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni filled the refreshed space — now complete with upgraded AV technology and a modern look — for a Hollywood-style celebration that included themed mocktails, a photo booth and a panel discussion with student stars from the episode.

The evening began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marking the reopening of the ballroom, one of UAlbany’s largest and most versatile event spaces. Following the ribbon-cutting, guests enjoyed the premiere screening of "The College Tour," which highlights UAlbany’s academic excellence, vibrant student life and research opportunities through the personal stories of 10 students chosen from more than 100 applicants.

“If you’re a first-year student, I hope this episode helps you visualize what your path at UAlbany could look like. Will you play a sport? Participate in research? Star in a play? Or pursue an internship? It’s up to you to take advantage of the countless opportunities in front of you,” said UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez. “You have the power to shape your experience at UAlbany. Take inspiration from the students featured in this episode, each of whom has taken full advantage of all that this University has to offer.”

  • A group of students in colorful outfits sit on high chairs holding microphones in a line as part of a panel discussion, as a display behind them reads "The College Tour" and "University at Albany".

    (Photos by Joe Putrock)

  • A group of students in colorful outfits pose indoors for a selfie with a man in a blazer and glasses with the words "The College Tour" on the screen behind them.

    (Photos by Joe Putrock)

  • A young man with a blue shirt and tie holds a microphone while in between a young woman in a black dress with dark hair and a young woman in a pink dress with light hair indoors.

    (Photos by Joe Putrock)

  • A young woman of Asian descent in a black dress is seated holding a microphone in between a young African American man in a red suit and a young white man with brown hair wearing a blue shirt and tie.

    (Photos by Joe Putrock)

  • A young woman in a blue top holds her hands up in celebration as a crowd is seated behind her - she looks off screen in front of her indoors.

    (Photos by Joe Putrock)

  • A young Latina woman with dark hair and dark eyes in a black dress is seated among a crowd indoors and takes a picture with her mobile phone of something off screen in front of her.

    (Photos by Joe Putrock)

  • A group of people stand with scissors for a ribbon cutting that has just been completed indoors with the words "The College Tour" and "The University at Albany" on display behind them.

    (Photos by Joe Putrock)

  • A crowd of students are joined by an older man in a bow tie at the top of a staircase in a posed picture indoors.

    (Photos by Joe Putrock)

  • A group of four young women wear purple and gold festive costumes while having their photo taken in front of a stand that has the words "University at Albany" in small writing behind them.

    (Photos by Joe Putrock)

  • A group of two women and three men in formal business attire pose indoors for a photo inside of a ballroom with a wood floor and wood accents and tall windows in the background.

    (Photos by Joe Putrock)