Clarksville, Ark. --- The University of the Ozarks campus community will roll out the welcome mat for the families of its students during the annual Family Weekend, scheduled for Oct. 14-16.
The theme for Family Weekend 2011 is "Ozarks Excursion: Your Destination is Here." Several hundred visitors are expected on campus to take part in numerous events, including the University Theatre production of "Deathtrap," the popular Ozarks Great Bed Race, the International Festival and Picnic and a student-led Chapel service.
"This is a chance for the campus community to welcome back the families and to show them what this university is all about," said Cassie Saorrono, president of the Student Foundation Board, which is helping organize the event. "We wanted to go with a destination and travel theme because we wanted to get the point across that no matter where you go, Ozarks will always be home."
Family Weekend begins on Friday, Oct. 14, with an opportunity for families members to attend their son’s and daughter’s classes throughout the day.
"There aren’t many colleges where a family member can sit in on a class and get a feel for what their kids are experiencing," said Emily Towe, president of the Student Government Association. "They can go and enjoy the class, and they don’t have to do the homework."
One of the most popular annual events of Family Weekend is the Great Bed Race on Saturday, Oct. 15. The Great Bed Race pits residence halls against each other as well as a faculty/staff team in a decorating contest followed by race around the Hurie Athletic Fields.
"That’s a great bonding experience for students because most of the time we’re up all night decorating the beds," said Saorrono. "It’s for campus bragging rights, so we take it pretty seriously. And the students racing the beds always provides fun entertainment for the parents."
Following the Bed Race, there will be an organizational fair on the campus mall where student organizations will have fun booths for the families.
"We’ll probably have 20-30 organizations represented," said Towe. "It’s a great way for organizations to showcase what they’re about and for families to see what we have to offer."
Family Weekend will conclude on Sunday, Oct. 16, with a student-led worship service in Munger Chapel.
"Family Weekend is all about showing the families that Ozarks isn’t just another college," said Saorrono. "We’re a close-knit family that has a lot of fun traditions and events, and this is the perfect opportunity to show those things off."
To view the schedule for the weekend’s activities, or to register for the event, go to http://www.ozarks.edu/familyweekend.
The always entertaining Great Bed Race will be one of the featured events during the University’s Family Weekend 2011, scheduled for Oct. 14-16.
Topics: Community Events