Today marks the beginning of SMU’s annual Family Weekend, held Sept. 28-30. It’s a time where parents and siblings reunite with students and get the opportunity to be plugged in to the SMU experience for a few days.
“I haven’t seen my parents in awhile,” freshman Nate Witkowski said. “I’m looking forward to getting to talk to them. It will also be nice to take a break from cafeteria food, to have my parents take me out.”
Today, families are following students to class, getting a chance to meet professors and gaining a glimpse at the academic side of student life.
Developed by the Student Foundation, Family Weekend begins with a luncheon and a few words from President R. Gerald Turner. There is also a fish fry hosted by Association of Black Students and National Pan-Hellenic Council.
“Family Weekend is one of the best times in the fall because you get to meet your friends’ parents,” sophomore Saren Williams said. “It’s really interesting to see how they are similar and different from their children.”
A new feature of the weekend this year is a “Taste of Dallas.”
The tour showcases students’ top local restaurant picks, and allows families to get a look about the city.
Afterward, families are invited to head over to McFarlin Auditorium for the annual Talent Show.
Students with families not making the trip to Dallas are still excited about the fun atmosphere, free food and football game during Family weekend.
“My family isn’t coming,” first-year Snigdha Toodi said. “But that’s ok, I’m not that disheartened. It’ll just make it that much better when they do come down in a few weeks.”
After a barbecue on Saturday, the weekend reaches a climax at 3:30 p.m. with the football game against the University of Texas at El Paso.
“I’m so excited,” first-year Emily Lidell said. “I hope my parents enjoy SMU as much as I do.”