Anna Jones
Arts & Life Editor
With Family Weekend right around the corner, students may be looking for something to do or somewhere to go with their parents. Beginning on Friday, Sep. 27, the University will provide many opportunities for families to get a glimpse into campus life.
The weekend kicks off with campus tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. The tours are open to all and are a good opportunity for younger siblings to take a look around campus.
Later in the day, there are several events for active families. The Family Weekend Golf Tournament starts at 1 p.m. at the Golf Club; pre-registration is required and there is a fee to play. Next, at 1:30 p.m., the University is hosting a family bike ride.
For families more interested in the academic aspect of the University, Associate Professor of Biology DeeAnn Reeder and Associate Professor of Dance Kelly Knox will discuss their research around the globe. The event will be hosted from 3-4 p.m. in Trout Auditorium in the Vaughn Literature Building and pre-registration is required. Immediately following these talks, families have an opportunity to meet the dean of students and other faculty at a reception in the Terrace Room.
In the early evening, the University’s outdoor clubs are hosting a bike ride as well as a canoe and kayak excursion. Both are a great chance to see some of the school’s clubs in action.
As for artistic entertainment, the Weis Center is hosting singer-songwriter Josh Ritter from 7:30-9 p.m. Ritter has been regarded as one of the most exciting new artists, so be sure to purchase tickets from the Weis Center box office.
At 8 p.m., theater students will be performing “All the Great Books (abridged)” in Tustin Studio Theatre. This play is a 60-minute version of over 100 great novels and will feature the class of 2017’s theater students. The show is directed by Logan Kauffeld ’15 (I’m pretty sure that this is the right person–the Family Weekend flyer thing says Logan Connors but he’s a professor of French soooo I’m assuming it’s not him), and promises to be a refreshing take on an old topic. The play will also show at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sep. 28.
Finally, from 9-11 p.m., Rooke Chapel will host Christy’s A Capella Concert, a Family Weekend tradition. The show will feature student a cappella groups, such as the Bison Chips, the Silhouettes, and Beyond Unison. The a cappella groups will perform again on Saturday night from 9-11 p.m. Christy’s A Capella concert almost always sells out, so be sure to grab your tickets early.
On Saturday, the Family Weekend fun continues with a breakfast reception in the Terrace Room from 8-10 a.m. After this reception, the day is filled with international education information sessions, Career Development Center introductions, high school student information sessions, and outdoor pursuits.
At 10:30 a.m., University President John Bravman will host a question and answer session in the Weis Center. After the Q&A, Bravman will join families for a reception in the Weis Center lobby. All students and family members are encouraged to go and get to know the University’s president.
From 1-2 p.m. in the Gallery Theatre, Housing Services will have an information session regarding changes in the housing policies. This session is extremely important to sophomores and their parents because the changes will affect their housing options in the upcoming years.
After, families can experience Lewisburg in a new way through the Poetry Path Tour, featuring Yoga with Cheri Orndorf. Visitors will read and hear poetry throughout their walk around downtown Lewisburg.
Next, be sure to join families from all over campus at the Family Weekend Tailgate, starting at 3:30 pm. Dining Services will provide upscale tailgate food and faculty will be in attendance to discuss their research projects. After the tailgate, the football team will take on Sacred Heart at 6 p.m. in Christy Mathewson Memorial Stadium.
To finish off the day, the University will host a WE DO Family Party in a tent on the football practice field. There will be desserts, beverages, music, and dancing from 8-11 p.m.
On Sunday morning, in conclusion to Family Weekend, Colleges Against Cancer will host a 5K walk/run. The race starts at 9 a.m. and registration costs $20; all the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
Lastly, the Terrace Room will host a jazz brunch from 9 a.m.-noon. Adults pay $18 and children under 12 only pay $10.
Family Weekend is an annual tradition and there are all sorts of events for everyone, so make sure to take advantage of all the opportunities.