Let’s Welcome College Students
The McPherson Chamber and McPherson Main Street have partnered with the colleges to welcome new college students to our community.
We are teaming up to get the students downtown on Saturday, August 23rd from 10-2:00.
The primary focus will be to introduce them to the variety of incredible businesses in the heart of our community and encourage them to shop locally first.
The students will be exploring the town with a list of participating businesses, taking selfies, tagging the businesses on FB and include the hashtag #mcphersonwelcomesyou.
If your business would like to participate in the College Connections on August 23rd, please
- Contact the McPherson Chamber or McPherson Main Street before 8/15
- Provide a $25 item or gift certificate to your store to be used as prizes for the students.
- Let us know if there is a specific item (s) or services that would appeal to college age students that we can help spotlight. (We will also be using this for trivia during the two events listed below)
Keep reading for on-campus opportunities from McPherson College and Central Christian College!
McPherson College Back-to-School Extravaganza- Tuesday, August 19th from 5-7 p.m.
Welcome students to our community and show off your business or service, or promote part time positions available to students, by participating in the Back-to-School Extravaganza at McPherson College on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 5-7 pm. A table and chair will be provided for each business signed up. Businesses do not run any commerce, but are encouraged to decorate their table, have something interactive, and spend time visiting with students (future customers, employees, entrepreneurs, and neighbors). Register for the Extravaganza at McPherson College by contacting Ashley Templeton by email.
Central Christian College Welcome Lunch Fair- Thursday, August 21st from 11 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Help Central introduce their new students to McPherson. Provide a lunch break to students, families and admin during move-in day where they can learn more about McPherson businesses and services. Families will have dinner on their own that evening so this will help them learn about their options. How you can participate: Bring food trucks on campus to provide lunch options. Set up a pop-up shop for specific dorm needs. Provide info to students about local health services. Promote your business services. Learn more here, and contact Sarah Eldridge by email to participate on-site, to donate raffle prizes, or sponsor t-shirts and Game Day prizes for the fall sport season.