NEWS EDITOR – ASHTON JEFFERS
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV 15 2023
A series of events that engages the St. Mary’s University campus with members in and around the community is known as Family Weekend at the university. Families of St. Mary’s students are welcome to visit campus for the weekend of Oct. 27-29 for a variety of activities, information sessions, and on-campus events that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Check-in began on Friday, Oct. 27, allowing students and their families to become familiar with the campus layout and enjoy campus recreation in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center. The highlight of the evening included tickets to a courtside experience for a San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets. Tickets were available for purchase through St. Mary’s University at a discounted rate, including the courtside experience before the game’s start which included a t-shirt and a seat for those attending. After a day of fun and familiarizing with the campus, a handful of activities were selected to allow students and families to explore more programs and opportunities available at St. Mary’s.
Various meet-and-greets with different campus offices and organizations encouraged students to explore other ways to get involved with the many campus programs including the Honors Program, Residence Life, Athletics and Greek life organizations. These tours and experiences were ways for students and their families to see how students can be actively involved with the campus community and where they can mingle with others who are interested in similar programs and opportunities. This is a key part of Family Weekend, which provides space for students and their families to become more familiar with St. Mary’s culture and how they can find themselves as active participants in developing that culture in the community. Other opportunities for engagement were to understand student support services. Student Health and Wellness Programs and the University Ministry held open houses and sessions discussing what services and opportunities were available for students on campus. Sessions ranged from a tour of the Student Health and Wellness Program amenities like the Rattler Den (food pantry) and the Lactation Room. University Ministry offered chances to participate in a Prayer Tree and handed out refreshments, all while sharing how to become more involved with the program and how to utilize those services if needed. Other programs included the Center for International Programs, The Career and Professional Development Center, Graduate Admissions, and the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology. The StMU 5K for the Neighborhood and Rattler Family Social closed out the day, allowing many to participate in an evening of fun while benefiting the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Various activities were available to participants while they prepared for the race. These involved a Best Family Group Costume contest for Halloween, pumpkin painting and a photo booth for those wanting to capture the memories of both the holiday and campus events. “I think the race was energized and fun, there was a lot of cheering all around the path and water stations that motivated me to keep going! It was fun also cheering for other runners and walkers while doing the race. Pointing others in the right direction if they needed help getting to where they needed to be with registration and throughout the race helped build a bit of the community,” stated junior biology and risk management and finance double major Emily Do. “I came to the 5k to participate because it was a school-wide event that supports Holy Rosary, it would be a good chance for exercise, and I am a PA and in MLP so I would have volunteered regardless. I chose to participate because I thought it would be fun to do the race with the community and show support!” After the race, the University Programming Council hosted Rattlerpalooza on the Chaminade Field, having food trucks and live music available for families coming from the 5K to relax after their hard work and effort. To top off a great weekend, Guadalupe Chapel hosted a Family Weekend Mass, followed by an afternoon of campus recreation before families took their leave.
Looking for more events available to students and their families? Visit the official St. Mary’s website at www. stmarytx.edu/about/signature-events for more information.