Story by Sarah LeBlanc
Photo by Ryan Koch
On Friday, Parents and Family Weekend at Drake University was already in full swing with jam-packed schedules for the whole weekend.
Between Friday’s fish sale at Crawford residence hall, the plant sale in Stalnaker and the a cappella group Kazual sponsored by the Student Activities Board, the weekend lacked a dull moment.
On Saturday, Carpenter hosted a pancake breakfast with Porterhouse and a raffle. The 8:30 a.m. Fun Run had students up early for fresh air and exercise.
Rainey Lecher, who said she was ecstatic about her parents’ upcoming arrival, noted the weekend as an opportunity to “get reconnected with (my parents).”
The weekend was more than just about the activities planned for participants. It was about providing students with relief from fast-paced college life and at least one day to focus on family.
Lecher said the weekend was “really important to me because family is really big to me.”
For those like Lecher, this weekend was much anticipated. Not only did students get to spend time with their parents, but they also got to showcase the university and walk their parents through their daily routines at Drake.
Aside from the unique events hosted by each residence hall, “Parents and Family Weekend is an annual opportunity … for a taste of life at Drake,” according to the Drake website.
Every organization had a chance to showcase its best characteristics this weekend, including the fraternity and sorority-sponsored Sweetheart Sing, with its “Heard it on the Radio” theme.
The event benefitted the Children’s Cancer Connection.
While there were plenty of opportunities for enjoyment and family fun, there were also educational learning sessions for parents and students. These events included a study abroad session and the President’s Assembly.
The Drake versus Indianapolis football game was also an exciting addition to the weekend, with a tailgating opportunity before.
Students and parents celebrated the second home game of the season. The Bulldogs beat Indianapolis 31-14.
A Sunday brunch was offered at Hubbell Dining Hall to complete the Drake experience and bid parents and families farewell.
