South Dakota State University's Independent Student-Run Newspaper Since 1885

The Collegian

South Dakota State University's Independent Student-Run Newspaper Since 1885

The Collegian

South Dakota State University's Independent Student-Run Newspaper Since 1885

The Collegian

First-ever Family Weekend brings Jacks to Brookings

MIRANDA+SAMPSON
MIRANDA SAMPSON

The upcoming weekend promises to be a busy one on campus as SDSU hosts its first Family Weekend.

Family Weekend is the product of merging the formerly hosted Mom’s and Dad’s weekends, but now the invitation is open to anyone a student considers family.

“The Family Weekend component makes it more inclusive,” said Jamison Lamp, University Events Coordinator. “We’ve got the word out to everyone. Bring grandparents, bring family friends and if your neighbor is friendly, bring them.”

According to Assistant Director for Student Activities Kate Stock, Dad’s Weekend and Mom’s Weekend were combined to enhance the experience for the students by demonstrating a better understanding of the complexities and differences between families.

“Not all families are structured in the same way, and we want to be sensitive, inclusive and respectful to all Jackrabbits and their families — however they choose to define them,” Stock said.

Family Weekend is meant to offer students and family members unique opportunities to explore and enjoy not only the South Dakota State campus but the Brookings community as well.

Lamp believes Family Weekend is an extension of engagement events students experience throughout their time at SDSU.

“I think if you look at the overarching mission of any weekend programming, it’s to help retain students,” Lamp said. “The goal we set out with for Family Weekend is to take that one step further than a retention event on campus or in a [residence] hall by bringing the families in and encouraging movement throughout the [Brookings] community.”

Several events have been scheduled throughout the weekend, including favorites from Mom’s and Dad’s weekends.

The schedule starts Friday evening with a program featuring music and comedy called Dueling Guitars and ends with the Hall of Fame Game and Precision Ag Bowl when the Jackrabbit football team hosts the Indiana State Sycamores at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Having family guests is not a requirement to participate and enjoy the festivities.

“Students are welcome to attend events throughout the weekend, regardless of whether or not their family is on campus for the weekend,” said University Program Council adviser Georgia Groeneweg.

Lamp looks forward to seeing how the first Family Weekend goes over with Jackrabbit students and their families. He expects the event will be successful, as were Mom’s and Dad’s weekends in prior years, but thinks the timing of this program only adds to the excitement.

“With Mom’s Weekend being in the colder months, it was always harder to see the energy on campus (compared to Dad’s weekend),” Lamp said, “whereas with Family Weekend being in the fall, there’s just a special energy as part of this time of year.”

For a full list of events, visit the official website.

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