UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — An estimated 10,000 parents, families and students enjoyed Penn State University Park’s annual Parents & Families Weekend, held Oct. 13-15. The Penn State Parents Program coordinates the weekend, which included an array of family events for students and their parents, siblings and other family members. Penn State families also had opportunities to connect with other families.
The weekend included over 100 scheduled events over three days, ranging from formal addresses to college open houses to a tailgate in the HUB-Robeson Center to musical entertainment, several of which sold out.
“Parents and Families Weekend provides a great opportunity for families to reconnect with their student and see Penn State through their eyes. We couldn’t do it alone. We depend on our campus partners to plan and host events and members of the Penn State Parents Council and Parent Ambassadors to assist in the planning and to volunteer throughout the weekend,” said Cyndy Hill, Parents Program director.
The Penn State Welcome for Parents & Families was one of Saturday’s favorite events. Keynote speakers Rob Pangborn, vice president and dean for Undergraduate Education, and Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs, greeted parents and families. Student a capella group Pennharmonics performed at the welcome to a crowd of nearly 700 guests.
The new Family Tailgate Lunch hosted in the HUB-Robeson Center was a big hit this year. More than 800 guests enjoyed traditional tailgate fare with entertainment provided by Penn State students. Families also enjoyed the photo booth in the HUB-Robeson Center and photos at the Lion Shrine. Many families cheered on the women’s volleyball team to a victory over Michigan, followed by an ice cream social with Coach Russ Rose and the team.
The Parents Program is continually striving to make Parents & Families Weekend enjoyable and meaningful for all of those who attend. It is in that spirit that the Parents Program invites those who attended Parents & Families Weekend to take 10 minutes to complete this year’s event survey. It also is accessible through the Penn State Parents Program website.