Each year, as soon as the weather turns just the right temperature to bring out hot cider and beautiful autumn leaves are seen on the trees, the University of New Haven hosts its annual Family Day. Students throughout campus are either excited about seeing their families for the first time since move in or annoyed about their parents coming up to spend the day because it just hasn’t been long enough. Regardless of what the respective feelings are, Family Day always brings a day of fun-filled activities to campus that always are enjoyed by those in attendance.
After all the families signed in and received their continental breakfast, there were activities for all ages and majors, including events such as Family Fun Time and the Mock Crime Scene Tour in Dodds. “It’s the first weekend of October, and I always know what that means. I arrived with highlighter in hand, determined not to miss a thing,” says Linda Patterson, a veteran UNH mother. “All of us parents get out our itineraries, and we map out which activities we want to experience. It’s a tradition.”
Various activities included a fall craft corner, where families could take photos in the Photo Booth and keep a strip of the pictures as memories. Another option was to place your family’s picture on a keychain. Dr. Margaret Jablonski, the Vice President of Student Affairs, offered a fireside chat for parents and students, while the mock crime scene tour was going on right across the road. Lunch is always an experience, with lines winding around and up the stairs; but, it is always worth the wait. There was a cupcake decorating activity for the lucky ones before that event ran out, along with caramel apple making and a cooking demo with Sodexo, the company who keeps our UNH community full everyday.
The 5678 Dance Team, the UNH Step Team, and Emanon also had performances throughout the day, gathering audiences every time. It is safe to say that we can be proud of all of our dance groups here on campus. Additionally, there were also sporting events going on all afternoon, beginning with Men’s Soccer vs. Stonehill College, followed by Women’s Lacrosse and Men’s Lacrosse games. A big congratulations should go to the men’s soccer team, conquering Stonehill with a 2-0 win. Keep up the great work guys!
The Inflatable Funfest, located in the recreation center, had to be one of the busiest and most amusing activities that was set up for Family Day. There was a bungee challenge, where two people strapped into bungee harnesses needed to shoot a basketball into a hole. When a player ran up to shoot, they pulled the other person further away. Both the parents and the students loved this activity, and many people chose to do it more than once. The Obstacle Course was also another big contender. Upstairs, participants could even find Irish Step Dancing and Salsa dance lessons. There was always something to do and somewhere to go, with no time left for being bored.
The annual Murder Mystery Dinner was held in the Alumni Lounge at 6:00 p.m. Participants left the sold out dinner saying that it was very entertaining, just as it has been every other year. Those who did not attend the dinner would attend a basic photography lesson with Patrick Daniele or a glass blowing demo in Buckman. At the demo, they demonstrated how to make icicles and mini glass flowers, which was very interesting to watch.
The one thing that the UNH society, parents, and students value greatly is the relationship UNH has with the West Haven community. Off-campus trips to Lyman Orchards for apple picking, tours of Historic West Haven, Captain Bob’s trip to the Thimble Islands, and the West Haven Apple Festival were held to give parents a feel of what kind of area their children go to school in. Many students and parents enjoyed the various trips to the different areas. The West Haven Apple Festival was a treat in itself.
Many of the students, when asked at the end of the day how they thought the day went had many wonderful things to say. “I like that it’s exactly like a carnival, with crafts added in. And the Segway made it so much better,” stated Gabriella Soto, a junior at UNH.
Many students feel that it is a day really worth waiting for and enjoying when it finally does arrive. “I love when my mom comes up each year. I look forward to spending time with her and doing things we don’t have time to do with each other while I’m away at school,” said Ashley Lowe, a junior from Staten Island, NY. “I get the one day to see my mom then I don’t need to travel home for another month. It works for both of us.”
Once again, Family Day was a success for all of the students and parents. It’s always a great way to kick off fall and see the family again before the next big break in the academic year. Even those students who did not participate in any of the activities still had a chance to see their families for the day, and many chose to go out to dinner. Sometimes, seeing the family, especially when you really miss them and haven’t seen them in awhile, is all someone really needs to get back on track.
