CUA to Host Nearly 1,100 Visitors for Family Weekend
Approximately 1,100 Catholic University students and their families will gather at The Catholic University of America for Family Weekend on Friday, Oct. 7, and Saturday, Oct. 8.The weekend program gives parents and other family members an opportunity to visit their students early in the new school year. Bill Jonas, assistant vice president for university relations, says the number of registered participants has far exceeded his expectations. CUA revived the program this year after a brief hiatus. "The Catholic University of America community is pleased to have this opportunity to welcome families to campus," Jonas says. "It gives the University a chance to show off its hospitality and beautiful campus."Of those participating, approximately 63 percent involve families of freshmen. About 50 siblings will stay overnight Friday in residential housing with a brother or sister. A number of social and educational events are scheduled to encourage families to explore the campus and the greater Washington, D.C. area.Highlights of the weekend include:
Friday, Oct.7, 12:10 to 1 p.m. The weekend will kick off with a hands-on chemistry demonstration, "Who Said Chemistry Can't be Fun?" by Professor of Chemistry Diane Bunce, who is well known for her interactive, entertaining, and educational lessons and demonstrations.
Friday, Oct.7, 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a barbecue at the Raymond A. DuFour Athletic Center, leading up to a football game featuring the Cardinals vs. the Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets. There will be a reception for the siblings of students immediately following the game. (This event is only open to guests who have registered in advance for Family Weekend.)
Friday, Oct. 7, and Saturday, Oct. 8 There will be opportunities to explore the campus and areas beyond on both days. Tours of campus and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will be available. Other excursions will take place on Saturday and include the U.S. Capitol, Newseum, and a bus tour around the city.
Saturday, Oct. 8, 9 to 11 a.m . Families will be invited to participate in a service project on campus. They will be able to choose from a campus beautification project, a letter-writing project for overseas troops, or a project decorating trick-or-treat bags that will be used for less fortunate children on Halloween.
Saturday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The University's Program Board will sponsor a Cardinal Family Carnival for all ages on Saturday, with rides and novelties on the west lawn of the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center.
Saturday, Oct. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families are invited to attend a brunch with University President John Garvey who will talk to families about what's happening on campus. Some of the University's a cappella singers will perform during the meal. (This event is only open to guests who have registered in advance for Family Weekend.)
Saturday, Oct. 8, 4 p.m. Family Weekend formally concludes with a Family Weekend Mass, which will take place in the Crypt Church of the Basilica.
