Originally published October 22, 2010
This year’s Parents’ Weekend, which starts today, features several new events to attract more parent involvement.
The Student Organization Fun Fair, a brand-new event, will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and about 18 student organizations will be there.
“Each organization will have various activities and information that parents can participate in and learn more about,” Executive Director of Student Development & Health Services, Joyce Shotick said.
Some organizations being featured are Rotaract Club, who will be having a cake walk, and Pottery Club, who will be selling potting bowls with ice cream.
Shotick said this fair was implemented to attract more parents to come for Parents’ Weekend.
“It’s a way to showcase the wonderful things student organizations are doing on campus,” she said.
Sophomore elementary education major Kathryn Aguirre said she thinks this is a good idea.
“Parents want to know what their child is doing at school because they’re paying for tuition and they want their kids to be involved in extracurricular activities as well,” she said.
Shotick said this fair can also serve as a fundraiser if organizations need money.
The President’s Welcome and Parents’ Weekend Program will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Michel Student Center ballroom.
“This is where [University] President Joanne Glasser, the president of the Parents’ Association and the president of the student body get together and welcome the students and parents,” Shotick said. “Here we also award the Outstanding Parent Award. This year we have seven parents nominated by students.”
Another key event is the annual Dessert Reception sponsored by the Parents’ Board and will be from 8 to 10 p.m. tonight in the ballroom.
Other big events include the Meet and Greet Faculty and Staff, a fashion show put on by the retail merchandising students, a Cultural Fair organized by Multicultural Student Services and the Bi-Annual Purse Sale.
In addition, there will be various bake sales, musical events, concerts and Activities Council presentations throughout the weekend.
Aguirre said last year her parents came up for one of her choir concerts.
“I was happy to have my parents come up to see my choir concert and to see what I have accomplished since I had been in choir all throughout high school,” she said.