Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles: Furman ready for Family Weekend

SEPTEMBER 26, 2012
by Kylee Perez, Contributing Writer

The cookies in the DH. Sunsets over the lake. CLPs. New friends. Favorite professors. Some things just can’t be explained over the phone. That’s why Furman’s students are inviting their families to see first-hand what their life is like on campus.

Furman will welcome its extended family to campus this weekend for Family Weekend. The annual tradition gives families a chance to learn about academic programs, meet their students’ friends, explore Furman’s beautiful campus, and spend time with their students.

“Parents, siblings, grandparents, even aunts and uncles are coming,” said Judy Wilson, director of parents programs. “The weekend gives families a chance to experience Furman and reconnect with their student.”

The event begins Friday when families have the chance to attend class with their student and compete in the parent/student golf tournament. Parents can register for the golf tournament by contacting the Furman Golf Club.

Following golf and a day of class, families will be treated to a performance by Furman’s marching band at McAlister Auditorium. Furman will give away a limited number of T-shirts at the event for Saturday’s “white out” football game against Western Carolina. Each fan is asked to wear white in support of the Paladins. Families can secure football tickets in advance by visiting the Family Weekend site.

On Saturday morning, the festivities continue with a family brunch, and tailgating around Paladin Stadium before the game. Family members also have the option to participate in a 5-K fun/walk around Furman’s campus.

But the weekend has an academic component as well. Families can attend a number of informational sessions about Furman’s programs, ranging from study away to undergraduate research. Seniors also have the option to attend a session about how to apply to graduate school.

“The families learn about the programs during orientation, but there’s so much information that weekend,” Wilson said. “It’s nice for them to have the opportunity to see an overview again.”

For the majority of the Class of 2016, Family Weekend will be an opportunity to reconnect with family for the first time since move-in day. The Engaged Living program, a residential living and learning program for freshmen, is planning a block party for its guests.

“It helps build a relationship between the students, parents and faculty,” said Brad Harmon, associate director of residence life and director of the Engaged Living program. “It’s a nice way to have a good meal and have another celebration of being a new student at Furman.”

Other families will be joining their student in the dining hall for a chance to taste the school’s famous cookies. At the end of the weekend, the families will leave with a better understanding of their students’ life at Furman.

“It’s a good time for them to spend a whole day on campus, go to a football game, and get the feel of what it’s like to be a Furman student,” Wilson said.