Bowling Green State University’s (BGSU) annual Family Weekend is a tradition for family members and supporters to visit campus and their students.
It gives families a chance to make memories, participate in events and explore campus as well as the city of Bowling Green.
This year, Family Weekend will be held Oct. 17-19. Families are asked to register prior to Family Weekend. Check-in will be at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 and 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18.
On BGSU’s event page, it says at check-in that families are greeted by BGSU staff who can answer any questions about the upcoming weekend.
Alexa Lange, the assistant director of the Office of Student Engagement, said in an email statement that “Family Weekend is a special tradition here at BGSU because we know that families and supporters are an important component of a lot of our students’ lives.”
Brian Heilmeier, the director of the Office of Student Engagement, said families can see what everyday life looks like for students.
“When you are starting a new phase of your life it is always great to have people around that can guide them who know them really well. Who know what’s best for you and how you function,” Heilmeier said.
Heilmeier said that Family Weekend gives campus life more of a spotlight compared to the rest of the year.
“The family is a part of the Falcon family and they are always welcome on campus, but this is a chance to really roll out that orange carpet and give them a peek of what BGSU life is really like,” he said.
He also discussed the different events taking place throughout the weekend in which students and their families can take part.
“Saturday morning involves a student work showcase. Dueling pianos is always a fun one for parents to be a part of,” he said.
Heilmeier recommended that students show their loved ones parts of campus that are personally special to them.
“We also hope the student takes their family around BGSU as well such as their residence and what’s important to them on campus and in Bowling Green itself,” Heilmeier said.
BGSU’s has a full schedule of events happening during Family Weekend: https://www.bgsu.edu/families/family-weekend.html
Some events being held are:
Friday, October 17: Dueling Pianos at the Oaks dining hall on campus. This starts at 5 p.m and goes until 7 p.m. There is also a magic show with magician David Anthony held at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union starting at 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 18: President Rogers Tailgate at Falcon Tailgate Park which is South of Doyt L. Perry Stadium at 10:30 a.m. There is a football game at 12pm against Central Michigan at Doyt L. Perry Stadium.
Sunday, October 19: Brunch with the Birds at the Oaks from 10am to 12pm. Another event is Stargaze with your Family at the physical sciences building roof from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
