Family Day at the University of New Haven, hosted by the Student Committee of Programming Events (SCOPE), is an annual tradition that brings together our student body, their families and the university’s faculty. Held on Saturday, Sept. 21., the event allows for families to experience a taste of UNH’s campus life for themselves, and build a stronger sense of community in the university.
Covering locations on campus such as the Maxcy Quad, Bixler/Gerber Quad, the Beckerman Recreation Center and DellaCamera Stadium. Campus was filled to capacity, families arrived to see how their students’ first several weeks on campus were proceeding. This year’s family day included the University of New Haven’s first home football game of the season against Franklin Pierce University, which added a layer of excitement and anticipation to the day’s activities.
The families were greeted at the Recreation Center with the Center for Student Engagement and Success, (CSELO) where a photo booth and giant blow-up Charlie the Charger was set up for families and students to take photos.
The festive blue-and-yellow balloon path led the families to the Bixler/Gerber Quad, where, our students and families enjoyed a variety of activities, having the opportunity to participate in slightly competitive games such as Spike Ball and Connect 4. The quad was also alive with the smells of cotton candy, which was distributed to the families.
The face-painting and tattoo station was an instant favorite with the children and families in the quad. Jeiry De La Cruz-Reynoso, Director of Novelty and Variety as well as Gina Cruz, Director of Public Relations manned the station, tending to a long line of children wishing to have their faces and arms painted.
Equally as popular was the balloon-animal station, with volunteers crafting animals and accessories such as hats, necklaces and scarves. The student volunteers showcased their talents and creativity for all who witnessed to enjoy.
As the day went on, families began to make their way down to the DellaCamera Stadium for the Chargers first home game of the season. The seats filled quickly, parents, children and students all eagerly awaiting for the game to begin.
The Charger’s Marching band took to the field, delivering a spectacular “Star Spangled Banner” and the University’s infamous “We are the Chargers” chant, showcasing the pure skill, talent and courage required to play.
The university’s cheerleaders, led by Darby Brown, hyped up the crowd, working the students and parents into a frenzy as the audience prepared for the Chargers to take on Franklin Pierce, and secure UNH’s first home game win of the season.
Family Day at UNH is a celebration of the relationships that families hold to support their students in the furthering of their education. This year showcased the sense of bonding amongst the student body and deepened the connections between the family body and the school.
With over 500 parents attending Family Day, the notion is encouraged that education is not simply about academics, but about the people and friendships that assist and support along the way.
