By: Regina Wright ~Staff Writer~
This past Friday, 681 Xavier families lined up at Xavier’s Gallagher Student Center (GSC) to receive their registration packet for Family Weekend.
Family Weekend started with a hospitality reception at the lower level of GSC.
“The highlight of the weekend is Musketeer Madness and Fanfest on Friday evening,” Mary Ballou, administrative assistant in the Office of Student Involvement, said. “Families love the opportunity to be part of the tip-off event for Xavier men’s and women’s basketball.”
The Musketeer Fanfest started at 5:30 p.m. at Cintas Center Plaza. Music, games, inflatable games for children and other activities occured before the main event, Musketeer Madness. Skyline Chili and Trauth Dairy/Dean Foods were served during the Fanfest.
Musketeer Madness was an event for fans of Xavier’s men’s and women’s basketball teams to get ready for the 2014-15 season in the Big East Conference.
The event included team introductions, a skills competition and intra squad scrimmages for both basketball teams. Musketeer Madness was presented by Skyline Chili and is a Xavier Family Weekend tradition.
Family Weekend also included SAC’s Xavier Family Fall Fest where students and their families could participate in pumpkin painting and pie-eating contests.
“I think that Family Weekend was a fantastic opportunity for us to see what Xavier is really like,” Xavier mom Christine Knestrict said. “It was great to see the campus and participate in the different activities for family members of all ages. We especially enjoyed the Fanfest.”
The Office of Student Involvement created Family Weekend to allow families to see what college is like for their student and to spend a weekend with him or her participating in activities and events the whole family can enjoy.
“The goal of Family Weekend is to provide community and a space where students can reconnect with family and friends and share their Xavier experience,” Ballou said. “The middle of the semester can be a tough time for students who may be feeling homesick, and a visit from family or friends can make all the difference.”
Xavier families also had the opportunity to attend “Godspell” on Oct. 24 and 25, put on by the Xavier Department of Music and Theatre. “Godspell” is a production based on the Gospel of St. Mathew.
Korean-American comedian, actress and writer Amy Anderson also performed at 9 p.m. on Saturday night. Anderson has appeared on Comedy Central, VH1, GSN and has been selected for both NBC’s and CBS’s Multicultural Comedy Showcases.
Family Weekend is a Xavier tradition and has been coordinated by the Office of Student Involvement since 2007.