King’s Hosts Parents Weekend 2018
Nearly 85 parents and siblings joined 45 students for Parents Weekend at The King’s College, traveling from as far away as Santa Barbara, Calif., and as near as the Bronx in New York City.
Beginning on Friday, September 28, nearly 85 parents and siblings joined 45 students for Parents Weekend at The King’s College. Family members from as far away as Santa Barbara, Calif., and as near as the Bronx in New York City gathered on Friday evening for a welcome reception in the King’s lobby. The events continued on Saturday morning with breakfast, faculty lectures, campus tours, and a fundraising luncheon for the athletics department. No events were scheduled on Sunday so that students could introduce their parents to their homes away from home, attend church, and explore the City together.
During the Friday evening reception, parents had the chance to meet with new and familiar faces. Jody Bell, a member of the Parents Advisory Council, said, “It was great to meet other parents at the reception on Friday. There are very few times that we get to interact with other parents because we all live so far away.” Eric Bennett, Vice President for Student Development, said it was a joy meet and encourage families as their students are in an important chapter in their lives.
The next day, parents attended lectures by King’s professors in order to experience the academic culture of the College. “Parents seemed to enjoy the faculty lectures and loved asking questions. It was a good chance to see the types of classes that our children have,” Bell observed.
Following the lectures, parents were given tours of the campus. Bell and her husband Brian also spoke briefly about the role of the Parents Advisory Council and on ways parents can communicate with College staff and find information about King’s.
The weekend concluded with the 5th Annual High Tea Luncheon, which serves as a fundraiser for TKC Athletics. Over lunch, parents bid on auction baskets while servers brought tea and Athletic Director Bryan Finley spoke about the athletic offerings at King’s. Student athletes Nick Beckman (MCA ’19) and Megan LeBlanc (MCA ’19) also spoke.
Altogether, parents had the opportunity to get to know the College and their children’s experiences further. Bennett said, “The annual tradition of Parents Weekend marks an important transition for families. It is a wonderful way for parents to glimpse what life looks like for their child at King’s and to recognize their growing independence. I truly enjoy this annual tradition and all that it means for the various participants.”