Families traveled from near and far to visit their loved ones Sat. Sept 20 for the University of New Haven’s annual Family Day.

UNH had a plethora of events throughout the day for families to choose from; the activities ranged widely so there would be something for everyone and no one was left out. UNH offered over 50 activities throughout the course of the day. These events ranged from physic readings and face painting to a tour of West Haven and a Taste of New Haven Food Tour.

“There’s a great schedule,” Melissa Rourke, freshman, added. “I like how there’s things for little kids to do, so siblings can have fun too while families are visiting.”
Family Day is organized by the Office of Student Activities.

Assistant Director of Student Activities Shelissa Newball was in charge of coordinating the event this year. “I think it went well this year,” she said. “It was a little chaotic but I think the families had a good time.”

Newball has been working on Family Day since May of 2014.

“We had a committee that helped plan the day, but it was a big team effort. Not just OSA was involved, but the Office of Residential Life as well, and all of campus,” she said. “It took a lot of planning and everyone on campus played a major role in this event.”

“Everything UNH does is very organized, from move in day to family day,” said Tim Rourke, father of freshman Melissa Rourke.
Freshman Joey Marino, of Clinton, Conn., and his parents were most looking forward to seeing Brian Miller, magician and comedian. Miller’s act combines magic, comedy and mind reading, among other things, and took place in Bucknall Theater.

“I’m really happy UNH does this,” Marino said about Family Day. “There’s tons of activities and they all seem interesting.”

At 1 p.m., families could attend the UNH vs. Assumption football game at North Campus, which a lot of father’s, including Rourke, said they were looking forward to most.

Other activities included a trip to the Flight Trampoline Park, a fire show performed by Antonalia the Fire Goddess, and hypnotist Jim Spinnato.

“For the most part, everyone enjoyed the day,” said Newball. “The hard part is figuring out how many people are going to show up. For next year, I’d like to offer more activities and spread them out more throughout the day.”

Undergraduate Student Government Association President Richard Rotella said the day was a blast.

“It was a lot of fun seeing the families celebrate all that UNH has to offer,” said Rotella.