It’s finally that time of year: Family Weekend! This annual fall tradition is beloved by members of the Fairfield community. The kick-off this year is Friday, Oct. 18 and the festivities conclude Sunday, Oct. 20.
This is not only a time for families to see their students’ lives on campus, but also a weekend filled with alumni reunions. Alumni can see the changes and improvements Fairfield has made since the time of their graduation. This is also an opportunity for them to catch up with old friends and classmates.
There are so many unique events happening on campus and also numerous things to take your families to around the town of Fairfield.
On the kick-off Friday, the events start as early as 11:00 a.m. with the art museum open house at the Bellarmine galleries, which will remain open until 4:00 p.m. There is a Friends of the Men’s Soccer Golf Outing and Post Golf Reception and Awards. A Tully Welcome dinner awaits from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Don’t forget a famous Tully cookie on your way out! Current students and families can end the night with Magician Ben Seidman and Family Sports Night; meanwhile, Alumni can end the night at the Seagrape!
On Sat. the 19th, students can attend a brunch and a plethora of sports games like Women’s Rugby, Men’s & Women’s Swim Meet, Volleyball and so much more! Rugby Fest 2024 at Hans Grauert Field celebrates its 30th Anniversary with carnival games, Primo Pizza and live music. StagFest starting at 2:00 p.m. has something for everyone. There are food vendors along with a beer and wine garden and live movement from the “St. Hubbins Brand”. For younger children, there is a “Lil’ Stags Zone”. Don’t miss out on The Great DuBois’ Circus Show in the Kelley Theatre! This showcase features stunts with hula hoops and aerial tricks along with the classic juggling and contortion.
On the last day, enjoy the Glee Club Concert from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Kelley Quick Center for Performing Arts. If you are interested in attending mass, you and your family can go at 9:00 a.m. (special mass to conclude Alumni & Family Weekend), and the regular times 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Egan Chapel. The Alpha Sigma Nu Induction Ceremony will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Kelley Theatre.
There’s also a lot to show your families in town! Take them out to lunch at classics such as the Firehouse Deli and Colony Grill for pizza. If you want to grab dinner in town, try delicious Italian spots like Molto, Centro and Aurora’s. In the daytime on Saturday or Sunday, go into Westport which is 20 minutes away from campus! Shop until you drop at stores such as Anthropologie, Brandy Melville and Madewell to name a few! Get some gelato from Cold Fusion or La Fenice for a cool, sweet treat!
I had the opportunity to speak with some Fairfield students about what they are most looking forward to for this upcoming weekend. First-year’s Kiley Raum and Emmet Blaney shared their excitement for their first Family Weekend. Blaney said “I’m definitely looking forward to seeing my parents. It’s been an adjustment moving into college and I haven’t gotten the chance to see them in a few weeks. I can’t wait to show them around campus and give them updates on my life. Raum shared, “I’m so excited for the glee show to see my NSL perform. I am also looking forward to taking my brothers to the Tully.”
From the perspective of an upperclassman, junior Ashley Lawrence stated that her favorite parts of the weekend include “all the old heads of school talk…great stories about their time in college; it gives me standards to live up to.” Family Weekend 2024 is so close! Make sure to buy your tickets at https://fairfield.evenue.net/events/AFW before they sell out. To find additional information check out https://www.fairfield.edu/alumni-family-weekend/. No matter what events intrigue your interests, enjoy this quality time spent with your families and friends!
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