The Chimes

Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Sarah Wills Capital parents and siblings move down the candy buffet, helping themselves to Skittles, Ring Pops and other treats during Sunday brunch in the Capital Court.

Small children tearing into Pixy Stix and M&M's is not an image exactly characteristic of a college campus.

But through the weekend of Nov. 13 to 15, it was one of several unlikely scenes that marked Family Weekend 2009, a series of events held in an effort to get families involved on campus.

"It was a great success, much better than last year," according to senior Dustin Dunlavy, executive director of University Programming and the student in charge of the initiative. "We had over 100 families register and over 250 people show up. We hope to make Family Weekend bigger and better each year."

This year's events, the themes of which were "The Colors of Capital," certainly were big.

The events included a Blue Jackets game on Friday and a tailgate and school football game Saturday, in addition to a Murder Mystery Dinner and a trip to Easton Town Center Saturday evening.

The weekend ended with Holy Communion and a family brunch in Capital Court on Sunday morning.

The presence of family was most felt at the brunch.

"It was packed," freshman Sally Johnston said. "There were so many people."

A candy buffet, which many younger family members enjoyed, was an influence, but to the students and the parents, the weekend was about much more than sugary confections.

"The main purpose of Family Weekend is to allow students to spend time with family and for families to get comfortable with the campus," Dunlavy said.

According to the Linnette Winterberger, parent of freshman Courtney Winterberger, the purpose was accomplished.

"I loved the whole thing," she said. "Capital has a great small campus close to the city with lots to do."

Another parent, Joe Pasternack, said, "The Capital community is special. It's a brotherhood and sisterhood not just for learning but also for getting along."

However, some students did not see the point to family weekend.

"It was kind of dumb because Thanksgiving break is pretty much the week after," sophomore Kayla Doucet said.

Others were thankful for the opportunity to see their families.

"The weekend gave me energy," Johnston said. "And my mood has improved."

In the end, regardless of the candy buffet, Family Weekend 2009 was a sweet reward for students.

By Chris Morris
Contributor
nextsampras@yahoo.com

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