Saint Francis is preparing to welcome students’ families to Loretto from Sept. 25-27 for Family Weekend.
The weekend which will feature three days full of activities. Events are designed to give families an opportunity to enjoy time with one another, while engaging with the larger SFU community.
The weekend begins Friday afternoon with a Stuff-A-Plush event in JFK Lounge, followed by cotton candy, freeze-dried snacks and henna tattoos. Friday evening activities include stargazing at the softball field and bingo in JFK Lounge. Rylie Ellis, Student Activities Organization Vice President and Chair of the Family Weekend Planning Committee, said this year’s schedule was created with both students and their visiting families in mind.
“When putting this year’s schedule together, I was hoping to engage SFU students and families,” said Ellis.
Saturday will feature the largest selection of events, including Herps Alive, an inflatable obstacle course, kayaking at Lake Saint Francis, a petting zoo, family photos and both balloon and caricature artists.
Families will also have opportunities to attend SFU athletic events, including a football game against Allegheny and a women’s volleyball match against Grove City. Some activities have become traditions of Family Weekend. Kristen Corcoran, SFU’s Director of Student Engagement, said Herps Alive has visited campus for more than 20 years, giving families an opportunity to learn about reptiles through a hands-on experience.
More recently introduced events, such as family photos, give visitors another way to commemorate their time at SFU.
Another tradition will return Saturday afternoon when the Rev. Stephen Waruszewski, Director of Campus Ministry, celebrates Mass in the Grotto.
“This location provides such a beautiful experience. We are hopeful that the weather cooperates,” Corcoran said.
Meghan Lingafelt, SFU’s Assistant Director of Student Engagement, said events are spaced throughout the schedule so visitors can choose activities that interest them while still having opportunities to attend multiple events.
Hemron Henry, SFU’s Activities Graduate Assistant, said that the weekend gives students an opportunity to share their college experience with their families.
Henry also encouraged families visiting Saint Francis for the first time to explore and participate in as many activities as possible.
“Be open to new experiences, take lots of pictures, and remember this weekend is about creating special moments while soaking in the strong sense of community at Saint Francis University,” said Henry.
Family Weekend will conclude on Sunday with the SFU Family Weekend Mass at 10 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Chapel.
