UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — An estimated 7,800 parents, families and students enjoyed Penn State University Park’s annual Parents & Families Weekend, held Oct. 16-18. The Penn State Parents Program coordinates this annual weekend that includes an array of family events for students and their parents, siblings and other family members.
The weekend included 112 separate scheduled events over three days, ranging from formal addresses to college open houses to Penn State football viewing events to musical entertainment, several of which filled to capacity. Penn State families also had opportunities to connect with other families.
“Parents and Families Weekend is truly a campus-wide event," said Cyndy Hill, Parents Program director. "We continue to look for more ways to connect parents and families with Penn State. The weekend provides a great opportunity for families to reconnect with their student and see the University through their eyes."
Tours of Beaver Stadium sold out, as did the Alumni Association’s tailgate party and viewing of the Penn State vs. Ohio State game shown at the Penn Stater Conference Center and Hotel. Because that event was full, another viewing opportunity was added by the Parents Program in the HUB Heritage Hall, which also filled to capacity.
One of Saturday’s most popular events was the Penn State Welcome for Parents & Families, featuring keynote speakers Rob Pangborn, vice president and dean for Undergraduate Education, and Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs, who greeted students, parents and families.
Campus Trolley Tours were added this year and quickly became one of the participants' favorite events, noted Hill. Space was limited and the lines were long. Those who went on the tours appreciated the warm trolley and the 45-minute guided tour of campus.
"The Parents Program is continually striving to make Parents & Families Weekend enjoyable and meaningful for all of those who attend," Hill said.
"It is in that spirit that the Parents Program invites those who attended Parents & Families Weekend to take 10 minutes to complete a survey about their experience," she added. The survey is accessible through this link, or through the Penn State Parents Program website.