The last weekend of October was a special time on campus as parents and other family members took the opportunity to take “A Walk In Their Shoes.”
A variety of activities were scheduled for Tusculum College’s Family Weekend 2013 to give families a taste of life on the Tusculum campus and share updates about the College and information about services available to students.
Families traveled from as far away as California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey and Texas to attend Tusculum College’s annual Family Weekend October 25 -26.
While families had the opportunity to experience Tusculum daily life, such as sharing a meal with their students in the cafeteria, they also were able to learn more about the college and talk one-on-one with College leaders.
Families and members of the College administration mingled during the Ice Cream Social on Friday afternoon, which was followed a panel discussion with Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum, and members of Cabinet. The panel discussion included updates about the new science and math facility, the new residence halls, new majors, parking and campus wide wi-fi access. Parents asked questions about such issues as campus security and Internet access and after the panel had one-on-one discussions with the Cabinet members.
Family members pick from their favorite flavors and toppings from the Creamy Cup at the ice cream social.
Chilly morning temperatures did not keep families from enjoying a campus tour led by current student and President’s Society member Robert Arrowood or an informative tour of the new Paul E. Hayden Wetland on campus with Dan Barnett, professor emeritus of chemistry. Barnett, who has involved in the wetland project since its initiation, shared the history of the project and plans for its next phase in the spring.
Dan Barnett, at left, professor emeritus of chemistry, explains the plans for the second phase of the wetland during Saturday's tour.
Erika and Jim Allison defended their title as champions of the Corn Hole Tournament.
Temperatures were beginning to warm under a brilliantly blue autumn sky by the start of the Corn Hole Tournament. Eight teams of students, parents, siblings and grandparents shared in the friendly competition, which ended with an exciting championship game. The father-daughter team of Jim and Erika Allison were able to defend their title as Family Weekend corn hole champs and received a gift card to Applebee’s. This is the third consecutive year that the Allisons have won the tournament!
The presentation was made at the Pioneer Club tailgate party prior to the afternoon’s football game and families were invited as special guests to the tailgate. Great food and a special performance from the marching band and cheerleaders was enjoyed. Coach Jones provided an update about the Pioneer baseball program and music and trivia from a mobile DJ
Families also attended the first scrimmage held by the new men’s lacrosse team at one of the practice fields prior to the football game.
A number of families enjoyed an exciting football game from the President’s Box, visiting again with College leaders. The Pioneers came from behind to almost tie the game with Wingate University in the final seconds and had Pioneer fans cheering their efforts up to the final whistle.
Plans are already starting for next year’s event. If you have any feedback about this year’s event or suggestions of how Tusculum can make it an even better event, please email Hilary Porta in the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at hporta@tusculum.edu. We’re so glad you joined us!
For more photos of Family Weekend, please visit Tusculum’s Facebook page. Look under photos for the “Family Weekend 2013” album.