Annual tradition allows families to get a taste of life on the Hill

Educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities abound on campus this weekend, as Holy Cross celebrates its annual Family Weekend.

Family Weekend allows students’ parents, siblings, and family members the chance to experience what life is like on the Hill.

Last year, at least 400 students had families attend the weekend, says Rebecca Riopel, director of Student Programs and Involvement. With sunny skies and highs in the lower 70s, she expects another big turnout this year.

“Families enjoy the time to come and ‘check in’ on their kids, take in a football game, eat in Kimball and experience some of what the students get to be a part of every day,” says Riopel.

An honored tradition of Family Weekend includes three performances sponsored by the music department. On Sept. 28, the College Choir will perform at 8 p.m. in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel and the Jazz Ensemble will perform at 9 p.m. On Sept. 29, the Chamber Orchestra will perform at 3 p.m. in the Brooks Concert Hall.

The choir starts Family Weekend off to a rousing start. The concert traditionally ends with songs of Holy Cross, including “Alma Mater,” “Hoiah Holy Cross,” “Chu! Chu! Ra! Ra!,” “Mamie Reilly,” among others, with the audience joining in the singing.

Parents also have the opportunity to attend several “Life on the Hill” sampler sessions, mock classes representing a sample of the breadth of the curriculum.

Other highlights this year include discussions with President Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., and several other staff members; a football game at Fitton Field where the Crusaders will take on Yale; and a performance of R by performance artist and instructor Rosa Lee, in which she incorporates all aspects of her artistic talents and experiences as a deaf woman from a deaf family into her shows, which include music, video, and performance art.

Family Weekend is sponsored by Student Affairs and the Purple Key Society, a student organization that fosters school spirit, loyalty and enthusiasm in the activities and goals of the College. In addition, many groups across campus sponsor events throughout the weekend. The Campus Activities Board is hosting Casino Night; the dance ensemble has their first performance of the year; and the a cappella groups perform together.

Check out the Family Weekend Web site for a complete schedule of events.

Related Information:

• Listen to recordings of some traditional Holy Cross songs