A large influx of middle-aged individuals arrived on campus the afternoon of Oct. 11, ready for Union’s annual Parents Weekend. The school prepared a bevy of activities designed to help students and parents spend some guaranteed time together, beginning with Friday night’s “Get Acquainted Supper.” This was a dinner provided by the cafeteria staff in the Thunderdome. Family groups (and some students pretending they had one) were given a presentation by President Vinita Sauder and Taryn Rouse, in which they discussed several matters surrounding the school’s finances. A few students also sang for the event.

The largest musical production, however, was at church. Union’s musical groups pulled out all the stops. The choir, band and orchestra all joined forces to create a musical force to be reckoned with. Multiple students also spoke about their experience with Union about topics such as why they wanted to attend, how they got there and what their plans are for the future.

To get some opinions on the events, I turned to two very special guests attending this weekend: my parents, who I love and cherish with my entire heart! “Union rolled out the red carpet for us. They had the orchestra, and the choir and the organ at church which were all beautiful. They put their best foot forward to make us feel comfortable. It was nice to be on our old stomping grounds, and it was great to meet our son’s friends, and be able to spend some time in his environment,” said my mother, Lisa. “It was also fun to see people that we went to Union with that now have their kids here.

My father also enjoyed the weekend’s events. “What I appreciated about this is that I was able to go to programs that I had heard about. I actually got to experience the Well, and come in 6th place in the Kahoot. The whole worship experience was awesome. Hearing the students’ perspectives about their college experience and how they came to Union that Friday night and the following morning was incredible.”

I loved having my parents come up to visit me. I’m sure the majority of the student body feels the same way. There’s no bond quite like the one you have with your family, and I’m glad we had an opportunity to celebrate that.

Drew Jickman is a sophomore studying communication.