WMU News

Family Festival Weekend set for Oct. 3-5

Sept. 25, 1997

KALAMAZOO -- Spending quality time with the family will be high on the agenda for those attending Western Michigan University's annual Family Festival Friday through Sunday, Oct. 3-5.

A special weekend of activities, the annual event involves whole families in college life for a weekend. It is sponsored by the WMU Parents Association in the Division of Student Affairs for parents, guardians, family members and friends of WMU students.

"The weekend gives families and friends a chance to spend time together while sharing some of the experiences that make WMU a special place for learning and personal growth," said Dr. Diane K. Swartz, dean of students.

The weekend event officially begins Friday evening with opportunities to enjoy a variety of athletic and entertainment events on campus and around town.

The evening will feature Family Games Night, sponsored by WMU's Campus Activities Board, at 8 p.m. in the East Ballroom of the Bernhard Center. At this free event, participants may play a variety of board and casino games. In addition, families may end their night by bowling, playing pool or playing arcade games at cost in the Bernhard Center's games area.

Saturday's activities will kick off with campus tours beginning at 9 a.m. at the Bernhard Center. From 2 to 4 p.m., students will have a chance to visit academic open houses and show their families where much of their learning and growing takes place.

A Family Festival information booth on the third floor of the Student Recreation Center will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Here, participants will find answers to their questions and can arrange to have family photos taken, tour the recreation center and visit the WMU Bookstore. Free one-time passes to use the recreation center during normal operating hours throughout the weekend will be available on a prearranged basis.

A festive buffet with a "tailgate" atmosphere will be available from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center's third floor gymnasium. A precursor to WMU's 6:30 p.m. football game with Ball State University, the indoor tailgate allows participants to mingle with faculty, staff and other families.

Among those on hand to meet with families will be Dr. Diether H. Haenicke, WMU president; Dr. Theresa A. Powell, vice president for student affairs; and Swartz. The three also will help introduce performances by the Bronco Marching Band, cheer team and pom-pon squad.

Several contests will take place during the tailgate, including the family with the most WMU alumni and the family that looks most alike. The winners of the "best mom," "best dad" and "best supporting person" essay contest also will be announced. In addition, spirit items will be distributed so families can help cheer on the football team.

No specific activities have been scheduled for Sunday, giving students and their families time to tour campus or engage in other activities of their choosing. For more information about registration and costs, persons should contact the WMU Parents Association in the Division of Student Affairs at 616 387-2150.


Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
616 387-8400
univ-rel@wmich.edu

http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news