Every year, the university invites the parents and families of students to campus to enjoy a variety of festivities and to reconnect with their students. This
day, known as Family Day, took place on Saturday, October 1 this year. Activities were planned so that parents and guests can experience the university’s vibrant campus life and all of what the surrounding community has to offer.
While freshmen in particular may have benefited from the occasion, especially because in some cases it’s the first time seeing their families since beginning college, everyone was welcome to take advantage of the numerous events planned for that day. Beginning around 10:00 a.m., families checked-in and, if they didn’t do so beforehand, registered at the Beckerman Recreation Center, while being treated to a continental breakfast and live music by music major and musician James Zap.
The LLCs (living-learning communities) for fire science, pre-education, criminal justice, forensic science, and marine biology, among others, all held open houses and events that showcased what kinds of activities and services they provide to students. Attendants could also tour the various buildings on campus (the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science was a popular option), attend a lecture by Dr. Henry C. Lee, learn how to ride a Segway, observe a mock crime scene, decorate cupcakes with Associate Director of Residential Education Becca Kitchell, witness a glass blowing demonstration, learn to Salsa, and watch an Irish Step Dancing performance by talented sophomore David Janovsky.
Options were available for families that wanted to go off campus as well. Trips to the Apple Festival at West Haven Green, Lyman Orchards, and the Thimble Islands were organized to allow people to experience some of the best of what the area has to offer. A football game took place at North Campus where the Chargers went up against and defeated the Stonehill Skyhawks, while the women’s lacrosse team went up against Bryant University. The Athletics Department coordinated a canned food drive with the First-Year Success Center, whose staff, first-year mentors, and mentees collected canned food before and during the football game.
Lastly, the murder mystery dinner, one of the most popular events of Family Day, took place. Registration for the event ended long before Family Day registration, so while most families had dinner on their own, a few lucky people gathered in the Alumni Lounge and took part in a murder mystery event while getting to have dinner on top of it!
Overall, Family Day was a huge success, with over 1,000 visitors registering beforehand and all of the parking spaces on campus being filled up almost instantly. Organized by the Office of Student Activities, Family Day involved the efforts of numerous offices, departments, clubs, and organizations on campus as well as the many staff and students behind them. Without them, none of the events that made this one of the most popular weekends on campus would have been possible; so a huge thank you goes out to all of them!
