Josh Hillman
Staff Writer
Shine your shoes, comb your hair and make your beds! Family weekend is coming up!
From Friday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 28, Springfield’s campus will be full of families.
The family weekend tradition has been alive for longer than anyone can remember. Every autumn, generations of families have visited our beloved campus for this special event.
The weekend has always featured a religious service and home games, the most popular being varsity football. Looking back, each generation has offered its own unique, nontraditional events.
Way back in 1950, family weekend was called “Dad’s Day.” This day was dedicated to the fathers of Springfield College athletes. Dads would come to watch the J.V. and Varsity games followed by an athletic banquet.
Jumping through the proceeding generations, it’s obvious that the program became more well rounded. In 1964 Springfield’s theatre performed William Inge’s, “Picnic.” Nine years later the dance team performed in Judd Gymnasium. In 1985 a movie was shown in Woods Hall, and a decade later there was an obstacle course.
Here in the 21st century Springfields own Annie Warchol, Director of Student Activities, is keeping up the traditions while adding to the process. She has been in charge of family weekend since the office of development and alumni relations handed her the job, three years ago.
“What I try to gauge every year is program satisfaction, and getting parents to feel more connected to the institution,” Warchol said. “If I’m hitting those two things then I feel like it’s a successful weekend.”
Three years ago she sent out an evaluation of the previous family weekends and found out that people wanted a more holistic program. Warchol’s goal is to add a variety of events to the weekend and better represent the school.
“I’ve tried to change from just the athletics to really start highlighting everything that Springfield College has to offer,” Warchol said. This year’s family weekend features multiple new events.
On Friday there is a wine and cheese reception in Blizard Gallery from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Overlapping the reception will be a drive-in movie outside the campus union where you can watch “Frozen” from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
On Saturday the academic open house and showcase will go on from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Locations for the showcases include Cheney Hall, Union West, Judd Gymnasium and the Harold C. Smith Room.
On Sunday there will be the first ever 5K run/walk fundraiser for alternative spring break service trips. Following the race will be a runners breakfast hosted by the president.
Throughout the weekend almost all of the athletic teams are competing at home. Featured games include men’s soccer vs. Emerson College on Saturday at 12 p.m., football vs. University of Rochester at 1 p.m. and women’s soccer vs. MIT at 2:30 p.m.
This year’s family weekend is going to be full of memorable times for all the family. Bring your families out and get involved with one of the most honored traditions that Springfield College has to offer.