Greek Row has been busy since the beginning of the semester – from new pledge classes to annual date-dashes and packed academic and philanthropic calendars – it would seem difficult for fraternities and sororities to even fathom another event. But of course, there is: Family Weekend.
For the Greek members on campus, Family Weekend is a well-planned event, with gatherings scheduled for each day. Lindsay Armstrong, a member of Chi Omega and a psychology sophomore, spoke of her excitement for the upcoming events.
“”Friday night we usually have a dinner for the entire house, with great food and music. (On) Saturday we all get together and go to the game – which is really exciting for the parents. And we say goodbye to the families on Sunday with a nice brunch at the house.”” she said.
Undeclared freshman and Pi Kappa Phi member Zach Weinger agreed with Armstrong, explaining the plans his fraternity made for visiting parents.
“”Barbecues are always the popular event for our fraternity’s Family Weekend,”” said Weinger. “”It’s a lot of fun just hanging out with mom and dad, showing them the campus … maybe play a little beer pong. They love it.””
Aside from tailgating at noon, the steak barbecues and the Sunday brunches, Family Weekend also means much more to Greek members and their families.
Katie Fischer, chapter president of Pi Beta Phi and political science and economics senior, said she viewed Family Weekend as a very important event.
“”I think the most important thing is for the parents to see what their child has been up to for the past couple months: meeting their sorority sisters, seeing where they are living, what they do when they hang out and all other aspects of college life,”” said Fischer. “”Parents really enjoy seeing the campus and experiencing what Greek Life is like and they are usually impressed.””
Younger members of sororities and fraternities find Family Weekend especially important to display their new life and their new home away from home.
“”Family Weekend is great for the freshmen and sophomores in each chapter,”” said CJ Urbanovitch, a Delta Sima Phi member and regional development senior. “”Parents are usually wondering what the fraternity dues are going towards, which is a legit question to ask. Then we show them a great time, they meet all these cool guys, they experience the Greek lifestyle and they end up wishing they could be a part of it all too.””
Sororities and fraternities on campus value the annual Family Weekend as a time to introduce to their parents a new campus, a new lifestyle and a new chapter in their lives.
“”These are the women who I will live with for the next three years of my life,”” said Armstrong, “”They are practically my new family. Family Weekend gives all of Greek Life a chance to introduce our ‘real families’ to our fraternity brothers and sorority sisters – the family that will be with us through our days in college and beyond.””