Family Weekend impacts the city of High Point

By Ryan, February 12, 2016

By Alexis Ancel // News Editor

Family weekend is a time-honored tradition at High Point University and even still, it continues to grow each year along with HPU’s growing population. With over 5,000 people traveling from all over the country, Family Weekend is a way for students to spend time with their loved ones in the midst of busy schedules by bringing parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins and friends to their home away from home.
This year’s February Family Weekend hosted a variety of events and speakers that spanned three days to provide a selection of both fun and informative activities for families and students.
“The weekend has many offerings, including a university update with Dr. Nido Qubein, a service opportunity for family members to make an impact on those less fortunate in our community, faculty lectures, concerts and much more,” Chris Dudley, senior vice president for development, said.
Some of the other events included campus walking tours, movies in the Extraordinaire Cinema, an a cappella concert, worship services and lecturers such as motivational speaker Marilyn Sherman and associate professor of management Dr. Tjai Nielsen.
HPU aims to add new events and activities each year, but still holds the most popular events annually. Some of these favorites include the university update with president Dr. Nido Qubein, the choral concert, family bingo and other various sporting events.
Though many aspects of Family Weekend in February are similar to those in September, it is typically a smaller affair in the spring than in the fall. Due to colder weather, outdoor activities can only be held in warmer weather during the fall, with the exception of the campus walking tours held during both weekends.
As the majority of HPU students live out of state, many local businesses, restaurants and hotels benefit from the influx of people who come to High Point for this weekend.
“Families travel from near and far,” said Marideth Riggs, manager of university events, said. “We have some that may just come in for the day, but we also have a lot that stay for the weekend in local hotels.”
It is estimated that a total of $2,473,237 was brought to the city of High Point over the course of the weekend, according to the High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Family Weekend is often popular for the freshman class and any student who is getting used to living away from home.
“I’m so happy my dad was able to come out for family weekend since I live so far away from home in Colorado,” said Ann Shelley, freshman. “It’s nice to be able to see my parents for a weekend.”
This weekend is not only a way for students to spend time with their families, but it allows families to take part in their HPU student’s college experience.
“Families enjoy coming to HPU’s campus to spend time with their children and experience our ongoing transformation,” Dudley said. “We appreciate the advocacy of HPU parents and families at this event and throughout the entire year.”