Students, community celebrate Parent and Family Weekend
Parent and Family Weekend was celebrated last weekend, giving students an opportunity to share their Aggie experience with their families.
A 25-year-old tradition, Parent and Family Weekend started as Aggie Family Day in 1989. Throughout the years, it has evolved into a celebration that involves many groups on campus – this year alone, there was involvement from Student Orientation and Transition Services, Involvement, Alumni, Athletics, Dining Services and Admissions. The event has more participating sponsors each year.
According to Leslie Buxton, Program Coordinator on campus, fall is the optimal time for families to visit campus.
“Having partially completed the fall semester, (students) have established their daily routines and are excited to show their families where they study, go to class, spend free-time, cheer on the Aggies, etc,” Buxton said. “Students are so proud of being an Aggie that they want their parents, younger siblings and in some cases grandparents to come and see how great their college life is.”
There was an autumn theme to this year’s celebration. Locally-sourced apple cider and donuts were provided for families at the library reception Friday and community events included Logan’s famous pumpkin walk, corn mazes, scare houses and theatrical events. Campus tours, which were hosted by Admissions, gave families the opportunity to witness Utah State’s seasonal splendor.
“Parent and Family Weekend events have been different each year due to varied department involvement and event dates/times of year,” Buxton said.
Festivities began Friday at 9 a.m., and families catered to their interests throughout the day. There were more than 22 events held over the next 48 hours ranging from sporting events, to campus tours, to a masquerade comedy show.
A highlight for many families was the tailgate and barbecue held at the Romney Stadium parking lot. USU later beat UNLV by a score of 34-20. Freshman Halea Walker attended both events.
“The food was really good and it was a great opportunity to spend time with family,” Walker said. “And the game was a really great way to get my siblings excited about Aggie life.”
In collaboration with USU Athletics, general admission football tickets were discounted. In the future, Parent and Family Weekend will see even more involvement from Athletics — sports clinics taught by USU student athletes will be offered for the young children in attendance.
“Parent and Family weekend connect(s) more people to Utah State University and each other,” Buxton said. “It also creates one more opportunity for alumni, parents and students to share experiences and build relationships with one another.”