With more than 60 companies represented at the fair, attendees will also have the opportunity to find out what employers look for in potential employees and to interview for jobs in the fields of nutrition and food science, family studies and interior design.

"It is important for high school students to see campuses – what they offer and what college life is like," said Gerri Miracle, who recently retired from Beechwood High School in Kenton County after 18 years of service. "Talking with college students and seeing what is available helps them zero in on a career and college they are interested in."

Miracle said she especially supported UK's HES career fair, because the college did wonders for her. She earned her bachelor's degree from UK in 1964, her master's degree in 1968 and her specialist in education degree in 1990. Her two daughters also graduated from UK with HES degrees and are in successful careers.

"I really believe in the personal attention UK HES students receive and the quality and diversity of training available there," she said.

Gerry Van Der Meer, general manager of the Hilton Suites in Lexington Green, said his company looks forward to the annual fair as a chance to scout its next generation of workers from a quality program.

"It is a great example of business and university working together to meet the needs of today," he said. "The school is a viable resource of talent for us. Students in these programs have committed time and money toward a career. We know they are dedicated to what they've chosen to do and have the knowledge to do it well."

Van Der Meer said bringing employees to the fair also gives students a chance to hear first-hand the reality of the profession and a company. That is another step in helping students choose the right careers and become excellent employees.

The 1999 UK College of Human Environmental Sciences Career Fair will begin at 10 a.m. in the UK Student Center Grand Ballroom. All UK students, regardless of major, are invited to attend, as are high school students. Companies represented will include the Hilton Suites of Lexington Green, Liberty Mutual, Money Management International, Fayette County Schools, K-mart and more. Door prizes for representatives and students have been donated by companies including the UK Bookstore, Kennedy's Bookstore, American Express Financial Advisors of Lexington, K-mart, the Silver Shop and Talbots. For more information about the fair, contact the College of Human Environmental Sciences at (606)257-2878 or visit the college's Web site.