At 9 a.m. on Saturday, University of New Haven students and their families filed into the Beckerman Recreation Center to check in for Family Day. Activities ranging from lawn games to craft corners were available to students and guests to enjoy all throughout the day.

Katya Sandoval, a first-year studying forensic science, brought her mom from Colorado to join in on the fun. She said, “My mom hasn’t been able to come up to campus yet, so it’s going to be fun to show her around and be able to do activities with her.” One of Sandoval’s most anticipated events was the football game at DellaCamera Stadium where the New Haven football team played against American International College.
For those that brought kid relatives to join in the fun, there was an “Inflatable Fun Fest” for kids and adults to enjoy.

Eliza Hall, a junior clinical psychology student, is the Novelty and Variety Committee Head for SCOPE. One of Hall’s duties was keeping an eye on the children climbing the inflatable structure, making sure no one got hurt. She said, “We are just creating a fun environment for students, to bring your families.”
In Hall’s opinion, the biggest perk of the fun fest on the Bixler/Gerber quad was that it was “All age inclusive, anywhere from babies to older people.”

Hall said the most popular inflatable was the Ninja Wall, where there was a 7-foot, 9-foot and 11-foot wall people had to jump over. People were gathered around it and made sure to start running from a distance to beat it.

Towards the other end of campus, near Bergami Hall, lawn games like giant Jenga were set up for people to play.

Madison Seaha, a freshman majoring in forensic science, was playing Ladder Toss with her parents and grandparents. “It’s nice to see everyone again and get to hang out for the day” she said.

Seaha also said, “I kinda liked lunch and just sitting down and getting to catch up with everyone.” While Seaha mentioned she is expected to return home in the coming weeks, there were many other students on campus that will not be able to see their families until Thanksgiving or Winter Break.

Kassi Borden, a sophmore interior design major, said the free food was the most exciting aspect of the event. Borden also said that the Charlie the Charger blow-up “took me by surprise.” While it was unexpected, families were able to take photos with the inflatable Charlie to commemorate this day.

Music by the check-in was provided by WNHU, the university’s radio station. Jimmy Case and Maudjeani Pelissier, both studying music and sound recording, were on WNHU’s afternoon shift. Case says, “We are essentially DJs playing music here for all the families coming in and signing in for the event.”

As the night rolled in, people made their way to Zolad Stadium to see the men’s soccer team play against American International College. Brianna Diaz, a senior criminal justice student, also plays for the women’s basketball team. She said, “I just hope the Chargers can pull off a win.”

The final event was the Encanto Movie Night playing in the Bixler/Gerber Quad. The family-friendly movie playing under the stars was the perfect way to close out a big day.