The DePauw Tigers won 24-0 over Kenyon College in the
Family Weekend football game.
CHRISTA SCHROEDEL / THE DEPAUW
As fall begins, colorful leaves and clumps of students crowd the sidewalks and grassy areas on campus. Over the weekend, there were some new faces around campus. DePauw University was flooded with family members of students visiting for its annual Family Weekend. This gave families a chance to explore their children's caampus and to check in after adjusting to college life. It was also an opportunity for the university to showcase its athletics, its arts and its academics.
Some families began their festivities early Saturday morning in the Nature Park for the fourth annual Be Great Today 5K.Though the day started out chilly, spirits were high among those in attendance as the participants ran or walked the course to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Younger siblings of DePauw students had the opportunity to meet each other at the Lil Sibs Pancake Bar. This event, sponsored by the Union Board, featured pancakes and a variety of toppings, along with crafts for students and their siblings to make together.
During an event called An Hour with the President, family members could enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and talk with President Casey. Parents were able to hear about the university from one of its greatest ambassadors and were able to gain an insight into the administration’s plans for the coming years at DePauw.
College Street was filled with music and laughter as families enjoyed the Family Picnic Block Party featuring music by the DePauw University Jazz Band. Families listened to music on the warm day and ate picnic food on the street between the Lilly Center and the GCPA. Jackie Byers, mother of first-year student Kathleen Byers, called this event one of her favorites of the weekend. “Being able to spend time with my daughter and enjoy this great weather made the picnic a great experience,” she said.
Several athletic events were held at DePauw over the course of the weekend. Varsity football, women’s soccer, field hockey and JV football all had home games on either Saturday or Sunday. Families of athletes and non-athletes alike were able to cheer on the Tigers to victory in varsity football and field hockey and see the soccer team’s loss. The newly-renovated Lilly Center was also open this weekend to students and their guests.
DePauw University's poms team gears up for their halftime
performance duirng the Family Weekend football game
against Kenyon College
CHRISTA SCHOEDEL / THE DEPAUW
On Saturday night, families were treated to a magic show in Meharry Hall in East College. Presented by Norman Magic and Peter Boie, "Magicians for Non-Believers” featured tricks that captivated spectators of all ages.
On Sunday afternoon, the DePauw University Choir performed in Kresge Auditorium. The galleries at the Peeler Art Center were also open throughout the weekend so that families could explore the exhibits currently showcased there.
Many families enjoyed each other’s company in Greencastle this past weekend. However, those students whose families were unable to attend were given an opportunity to spend the day in Chicago. The students wandered around the city for several hours, taking in all the sights and sounds of the Windy City. First-year student Holly Whisler had a great time on this trip. “We walked around, shopped and ate some delicious pizza,” she said. “I really enjoyed being in the city.”
While there were numerous activities planned by the university to help families have a good experience during Family Weekend, many students remarked that they most enjoyed simply spending time with their loved ones and showing their families the place they call home. Senior Nick Hebebrand echoed this sentiment.
Said, Hebebrand, “It was nice having my parents come to campus and get a better feel for what life’s like here at school.”