From Oct. 15 – 17, the annual Alumni & Family Weekend will be held at Fairfield University allowing current students, alumni and their friends and family to come together once again.
Though it was previously referred to as Homecoming until 2013, Alumni & Family Weekend, “Is an excellent opportunity for family members to check in with their students and explore both the Fairfield University campus and the town of Fairfield” as stated on the university’s website.
Colleen Horstmann, assistant director of student programs for the Office of Student Engagement has been involved in the planning of the weekend since 2014.
She stated that her office wants families to have the opportunity to return to campus and learn more about campus life.
“The families of our students are such a huge part of our student’s lives, so any opportunity we have to engage with them is a welcomed one. This is one of our favorite events to host on campus and we look forward to it every year.”
Each night of the weekend there’s a collection of activities students and families can sign up for on the University Ticketing website.
On Friday, Oct. 15, the weekend will start with a paint night, a juggling act and a screening of “Mamma Mia!” and end on Sunday, Oct. 17 with a “Brunch & Canvas Pillow Workshop” and the annual Glee Concert.
But, it’s the event happening on Sat. Oct 16 that seems to be a crowd favorite, “StagFest.”
Though typically held in front of Rafferty Stadium, StagFest will be held from 12 – 4 p.m., on Bellarmine Lawn behind Bellarmine Hall, and it seems to have something for all ages.
Horstmann agrees with the sentiment saying, “StagFest is my favorite event, as it has a little bit of everything! There are food trucks, live music, a Lil’ Stags Zone filled with a petting zoo, cotton candy, popcorn and inflatables in addition to beer and wine offerings and an athletic pep rally.
She goes on to say, “StagFest is an incredibly lively event that brings our entire campus together and puts everyone in a great mood.”
But, with StagFest comes the reality of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In compliance with all COVID-19 regulations, the ticket sales were limited to the first 1,000. As of writing this article, all 1,000 of the StagFest Drink Package (Unlimited beer, cider and wine, and commemorative Fairfield University mug) and the StagFest Ultimate Package (Three food vouchers, unlimited beer, cider and wine, and commemorative Fairfield University mug) have been sold out.
Horstmann adds, “We are following all state and local guidelines when it comes to our COVID-19 protocols for this weekend.”
She notes that as last year’s Alumni & Family Weekend was only virtual, they’re expecting a “large participation” this year.
“Many of our alumni and family members are looking forward to returning to campus and participating in our in-person events.”
If students and families would still like to purchase tickets, they can see a full schedule at the Alumni & Family Reunion website: https://www.fairfield.edu/alumni-family-weekend/ or simply visit University Ticketing.
All tickets must be purchased by Thursday, Oct. 14 at midnight, any time after this date the tickets must be purchased in person, on campus, upon arrival.
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