April Allen | Arts & Life Co-Editor
Family Weekend is a tradition where families, students, and the campus come together once a year at Buena Vista University (BVU). This year, that weekend will be April 26 through April 28 and have a variety of sporting, fine arts, and family events.
Director of Student Activities Becka Neary-DeLaPorte says her favorite part of the weekend is when the families are in the Science Center during the activities there and the families are able to see a beautiful academic building, a place parents don’t typically get to spend time while on campus.
Family Weekend is considered the ideal weekend to have family on campus because there are so many events happening.
“Really this event wouldn’t take place without all the students who want to show BVU to their families because of their pride in BVU. It takes a lot of patience to invite your parents as well as extra responsibilities,” Neary-DeLaPorte said.
The weekend of family fun starts off with Friday’s “dinner on your own” at Sodexo Campus Dining, and then from 6-10 p.m., Glow Lazer Tag takes place in the Lamberti Recreation Center.
On Saturday, there are a multitude of events taking place with families able to choose what interests them most. From 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., there will be family fun events on the Estelle Siebens Science Center Lawn with more activities inside the Science Center. One of most loved activities within the Science Center is the stuffing of plush stuffed animals.
“There are some seniors who have four year’s worth of stuffed animals that are from Family Weekend,” Neary-DeLaPorte said.
Then in the afternoon from 2-4 p.m., Beaver Idol takes place in the Underground in Smith Hall.
“College population, little kids, grandparents, and parents all come together at Beaver Idol. College students love to see competition, and parents like to see their children singing. It crosses the generation where everyone can enjoy a little piece of the weekend and it’s at a good time during the day that many people are available to attend,” Neary-De:LaPorte said.
A BVU softball double-header against Loras College will be at the Baseball/Softball Complex Saturday afternoon as well.
Before Family Weekend existed in the spring, it took place in the fall and included a football game. Little Sibs weekend occurred in the spring, and now both the weekends are consolidated within what is called Family Weekend. Neary-DeLaPorte says that a majority of campus stays and has at least one family member or more come.
Senior Graphic Design major Tara Lehner says her parents don’t normally come to BVU for the weekend, but she still enjoys their visit during Family Weekend.
“I see all the families around, and I think it’s super cute. I go to see everybody else, and I like everyone because they’re happy, and it’s a fun time where everyone comes together,” Lehner said.
Many more events are taking place throughout the weekend. A more detailed schedule of the weekend is on the BVU website, as well as directions and other useful tools.
Graphic by Tyson Domingo
