Call Mom and tell her she can turn off the waterworks. This weekend, Northwestern invites families to spend Friday evening and Saturday with their college student.
“[Family Weekend] gives families a chance to experience life at NW and students a chance to share their community, friends and academic life,” said Lori Couch, Director of Student Activities.
“I love having the two communities that have formed me the most, my family and NW, together in one place,” said junior Kate Wallin.
A wide array of festivities will include a concert performed by the music department, a Red Raider football game and a professional improv comedy show.
“We try to offer a wide variety of events that interest or impact most students and their families,” said Couch.
Music lovers will appreciate Saturday’s concert, which will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Christ Chapel. The concert will showcase all of NW’s major music ensembles, as well as three feature soloists.
“Many Northwestern students participate in one or more of our ensembles, and this concert gives those students an opportunity to showcase their hard work for their families,” said Dr. Holm, director of choirs.
“This concert is a great opportunity for families, friends, and campus and community members to hear a wonderful variety of music-making that is very representative of the department and our students,” said Dr. McGarvey, director of bands.
“You should definitely come because it’s a celebration of everything musical at NW,” said sophomore Charlotte Richards. Admission to the concert is free.
“I like Family Weekend because it provides one special opportunity for families and students to connect where students live. It provides a great opportunity for interaction between students, families, and faculty and staff,” said McGarvey.
Sports buffs, fear not. NW’s football team invites families to watch them take on Dakota Wesleyan University on Saturday at 1 p.m. in De Valois Stadium.
“Football is a great family event. It’s a place where you can come out, support your team and spent quality time with family,” said head football coach Kyle Achterhoff.
Halftime festivities will include recognition of NW’s 2010 Parents of the Year. Admission to the game is $6 for non-students.
For lighthearted entertainment, NW presents 88improv, a professional comedy improv team from Omaha with two NW alums as members. Two shows will be held, the first at 4 p.m. in the England Proscenium Theater and the second at 9:30 p.m. in the Hub in the Rowenhorst Student Center.
Other Family Weekend activities will include NC/DC Selection, a campus version of “American Idol,” Friday at 8 p.m. in Christ Chapel, and an all-day art exhibit Saturday in Te Paske Gallery in the Korver Visual Arts Center featuring the works of a professional newspaper illustrator.
