Diverse activities for Family Weekend
By Emily Kelley
On Nov. 6, Rider students and their families gathered on the Lawrenceville and Princeton campuses for an annual tradition, a weekend full of activities. From exhibits, choir performances and games to luncheons and athletics, the Office of Campus Life had something planned for all ages to enjoy.
Kicking off three days of activities, Westminster Choir College held open rehearsals that afternoon for both its first-year-student and second-year-student choirs. Friends and family were welcomed to attend.
Later that night, Rider ice hockey got “pink in the rink” against Penn State University. The Loucks Ice Arena at The Lawrenceville School was decked out in pink to support breast cancer awareness for the entire month of October.
At 10 p.m., students introduced their guests to one of Rider’s monthly traditions — Bronc Bingo. All were packed tightly into the cafeteria with eyes fixed on winning the grand prize of an Apple watch.
Early the next morning, parents and grandparents who are alumni of Rider and Westminster themselves were invited to attend the Legacy Family Breakfast in the Mercer Room of Daly’s Dining Hall to celebrate their shared connection to the university.
Guests had access to various other activities throughout the day, including an opportunity to help out all morning on the Campus Mall. Twelve thousand flags were strategically staked into the ground to commemorate and recognize all of those who served in the military since the Civil War.
In the Cavalla Room, the Office of Campus Life held its annual Thanksgiving basket drive. Canned foods were donated and arranged into 200 baskets. These baskets will be given to families of Rider students who are facing financial difficulties at home.
One of the most anticipated events of the weekend, a performance from the Chicago Boyz, an acrobatic team from Chicago, was hosted by the Student Entertainment Council at 2 p.m. in the Bart Luedeke Center Theater. Families crowded into the theater, filling every seat and standing in the aisle to get a glimpse of the team members who were semifinalists on America’s Got Talent (see story, p. 10).
The School of Fine and Performing Arts hosted a showcase of theater performances, dance numbers and highlights from the fall cabaret. Among these performances were scenes drawn from two campus productions, Catch Me If You Can and Ubu Roi.
Anticipation built throughout the day for the final event on Saturday night. From 7 to 9 p.m., families who were pre-registered and selected to participate gathered in the BLC for a game of Family Feud hosted by Recreation Programs. Many of those who entered won prizes.
Family Weekend ended the morning of Nov. 8 with brunch available in the dining hall for students and their families.
