900 families flock to HPU for Winter Family Weekend
By Olivia French
This past weekend, over 900 families traveled from near and far to HPU for this semester’s Family Weekend. Though the weather was dreary, families did not let it put a damper on what turned out to be a good weekend for parents and students alike.
Many activities were available for families to participate in. Family Bingo was held in the Slane gym Friday night, with prizes ranging from Krispy Kreme Donuts and a case of Cheerwine to a Kindle Touch and an Amazon.com gift card.
Several HPU professors provided lectures for parents, allowing them an inside look on classes, and views on various contemporary topics.
Performances held in the Hayworth Fine Arts Center, such as a choral concert featuring the three HPU choirs directed by Dr. Marc Ashley Foster and a special performance by the comedic juggler Sean Emery, also kept families busy and entertained as they caught up with their students and explored the campus.
North Carolina Dance Theater made a special performance at HPU, dazzling parents with its unique show.
Families also attended a double header of the men’s and women’s basketball teams, cheering on the Panthers as they played their hardest, resulting in the first loss for the women and a victory for the men’s team.
Many clubs and activities on campus, including sororities and fraternities, also held their own small events for families of current students.
Parents and siblings had the opportunity to enjoy many of HPU’s amenities, including several showings of movies in the Extraordinaire Cinema and dinner at 1924 Prime Steakhouse, and other locations on campus.
On Sunday morning, a family chapel service was held before parents and students said their goodbyes.
Students were very happy to see their families. Freshman Erica Silich said, “Having my family here makes me have a little taste of home without actually being home. It’s a very nice experience.”
Freshman Connor Bullard, who lives close to High Point said, “Even though I see my mom a lot more than most students, it was nice to see her here.”
Parents, siblings, and other family members were wowed by the spectacular campus that students live on every day. Pamela and Ed Lucas, parents of freshman Carly Lucas, said, “Once again, between the beautiful campus, the excellent hospitality, and the feeling of family during Family Weekend, we know our daughter is at the most extraordinary university we could have ever envisioned.”