This weekend, the Office of Parent and Alumni Relations welcomes hundreds of families of both current and prospective students to campus for Harding’s annual Family Weekend. With a full slate of activities scheduled, Liz Howell, Director of Parent and Alumni Relations, said that the event will underline what makes Harding so special.
“I always like to compare Family Weekend to a simpler Homecoming,” Howell said. “We offer something for everyone who comes, but also give families and students enough time to reconnect while they’re here.”
Beginning today, guests are invited to go to classes with students all day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as attend chapel with them in the morning. Later this evening the Lady Bisons soccer team will play Southwestern Oklahoma State University at 7 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., Paul Miller, a comedian, juggler and magician, will be performing in the Administration Auditorium for $5 a ticket.
Saturday’s events start with family photos on Harding’s white swings and continue with open dorm from 2 to 3:30 p.m. On Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m., families are invited to join in on a Harding football tradition as students, faculty and alumni gather for a tailgate under the pecan trees outside of the Ganus Athletic Center. Starting at 6 p.m., the Harding Bisons football team will play Southern Arkansas University.
Beyond the many events planned this weekend by the Office of Parent and Alumni Relations, students are most excited about the personal aspect that comes with having their families on campus.
“I’m looking forward to having my family come up,” freshman Juliann Peters said. “It’s exciting because they will be able to meet the friends I’ve made so far as well as see the church I’ve been going to.”
Both Howell and the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations hope the weekend offers an opportunity for families to connect on a deeper level.
“There is just something special about the bond between parents and their children,” Howell said. “Our goal is to use that strong bond to connect and share the Harding experience with all of our families.”
For more information on Family Weekend events, visit the Office of Parent and Alumni Relations in the Heritage lobby or call 501-279-4276.
