Parents Association invites parents, students to annual Family Weekend
By Jessica Sinn
University News Service
September 24, 2007
The Texas State University-San Marcos Parents Association is set to host its annual Family Weekend event Oct. 5-7, featuring campus-wide activities and a Family Round-Up BBQ picnic at Sewell Park.
University ambassadors, student organizations, local businesses and San Marcos community representatives will meet and greet Texas State students and their families at the three-day event.
Marian Loep, Texas State parent relations coordinator, said by taking in the surroundings and meeting new people, the transition is easier on both the parents and the students.
“Parents have been helping their students since the day they were born, from kindergarten through high school,” Loep said. “This is the next big step, and we want parents to see that their students have made a good choice.”
A host of browser booths, including student groups, local businesses and retailers, will share information 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 6 on the banks of Sewell Park. Loep said this is a great opportunity for new students and their parents to acquaint themselves with the myriad resources that are available for Texas State students.
“This is a huge event, and we want it to take place in the fall semester because we want the students and their families to see all the facets this wonderful university has to offer--and what better place than Sewell Park,” Loep said.
Event goers will gather for an all-you-can-eat buffet barbeque lunch Oct. 6 12-1:30 p.m. Fuschak’s Pit BBQ will provide an expansive spread including brisket, sausage and a variety of side dishes. Lunch tickets will be sold at the registration table near Sewell Park’s Outdoor Center. Advance lunch tickets are $8 per person or $10 at the event.
The Texas State Swing Jazz Band, Salsa del Rio and The Texas State Spirit Program are just a few performers slated to entertain the crowds. Loep said she’s looking forward to the roundup because it’s a rare opportunity to see so many student entertainment groups come together to showcase their talents.
“The roundup is the most exciting time--and the barbeque is delicious,” Loep said. “We have all the student entertainers perform for the students and their families, which is really fun to see.”
Early risers can take part in the two person 18-hole scramble tournament 7 a.m. Oct. 6 at the Texas State Golf Course. For a $45 entry fee, golfers will receive lunch tickets, access to golf carts and t-shirts. In addition to the golf tournament, visitors can take guided or self guided tours around campus including the Southwestern Writers Collection, the LBJ Student Center, Old Main and the Aquarena Center.
“We’ve had a lot of dads and sons play golf in the morning,” Loep said. “And there are special discounts for the glass-bottom boat tours, which are also very popular with the mothers and daughters.”
Faculty member Russell Doescher will present a tour of the evening sky 8-10 p.m. Oct. 5 on the fourth floor of the Supple Science Building. Loep said this attraction is a favorite among the students and their families.
“Star gazing at the observatory is one of our most popular events,” Loep said. “It’s so relaxing. Russell and his interns are very knowledgeable, and it’s just fun to be atop the observatory gazing at the stars.”
Texas State Parent Relations Co-Chair Terence Parker said by featuring the university’s wide variety of student groups and guest speakers, parents will have a better understanding of its diverse campus.
“I think it’s important for parents to see that their sons and daughters will get a well-rounded education,” Parker said. “A campus with students from many different backgrounds is like a training ground for the professional world, where you will have to learn to work together as a group with many different people.”
For more information on Family Weekend events or activities, contact the Texas State Parents Association at (512) 245-3525 or visit www.txstate.edu/parents.