Parents weekend 2022

On Friday, September 23, parents of  Union College students arrived to enjoy a fun-filled weekend together with their families and the rest of the campus community. Some stayed in nearby hotels while others reserved guest rooms in the Ortner Center. All joined together on our campus for fun, food, and fellowship.

The party kicked off with the evening worship program, with a special feature that we hope to see more of in the coming months. Caleb Schaber, a communication sophomore, introduced four comedic drama sketches acted out by various students. The sets included everything from a doctor’s office to a movie theater and had the audience laughing several times throughout the program.

That was not everything that parents weekend had to offer. A fair was held in the Thunderdome on Sabbath evening that included all sorts of fun such as face painting, fake tattoos, and colored hair. Parents, their students and even students whose parents were unable to attend were able to have fun together. 

Parents weekend has changed significantly in recent years. Parents used to arrive and eat dinner with people on campus, attend a Warriors game on Sabbath night and then meet with instructors on Sunday morning.

However, Kate Kamarad, Scholarship and Special Events Director, has opted in recent years for a more laid-back experience, “so that parents can interact with faculty and staff without the formal sit down and asking questions,” she said.

Attendance spiked quite heavily this year, with COVID and the accompanying travel/social difficulties now partially behind us. Eighty-six families registered this year with last year having only 40, with approximately 50 more attendees.

Kamarad looks forward to future parents’ weekends and the fun they will be able to offer. She welcomes new ideas from everyone, however, that is not to say she has not had a few of her own. A petting zoo, laser tag and even a Ferris wheel could all be possibilities. She emphasized that the weekend is not just for parents, but for everyone who is a part of our campus community.

“I think, more than anything, getting everyone on campus involved … there’s not a lot of events on campus where we can do that … and show our families what Union is about,” is her and her team’s goal, Kamarad said. If you would like to send any ideas to her for the next one, she welcomes your feedback via email.

By: Charles Metz