For many students here at AUM, family is perhaps the most important part of their lives. In some cases, students have had to move far away from their families and may feel disconnected. If you fall into the category, the AUM Family Connection is here to save the day.
Operating in the Office of Orientation and Transitions, the Family Connection seeks to keep families connected and inform family members of what is happening on campus. The main message of Family Connection to AUM families is that they play a vital role in their student’s college career.
One of the biggest ways that Family Connection seeks to keep families connected is AUM Family Weekend. Family Weekend invites students to bring their families to our campus to share a few days of fun, relaxation and togetherness. On Feb. 5-6, 2016, the third annual Family Weekend saw many families enjoy the Homecoming festivities as well as enjoying some quality with their students.
“We had over 40 families registered, and over 35 came to check in on Friday,” said Family Weekend Coordinator Serena McCovery. “This is the most families we have had for Family Weekend.”
Families that checked on Feb. 5 received t-shirts, a gift bag, and tickets to get into the games the next day. Everyone was also invited to enjoy the Homecoming bonfire and pep rally. The night ended with a fireworks show sponsored by the AUM Alumni Association.
The next day saw families enjoy games and more at the Homecoming Tailgate before the basketball games. Some of these games included Giant Jenga, KerPlunk and Giant Checkers. As the tailgate wrapped up, the families began to pack the gym.
The gym was rocking as everyone cheered on our Warhawks to victory. The Men’s and Women’s basketball teams defeated Dalton State and Bernau respectively. The families also warmly welcomed the Homecoming Court and cheered loudly when the Court was crowned.
With the games over and Family Weekend wrapping up, the Office of Orientation is already looking ahead to next year’s festivities. “We are really happy with the turnout this year and hopefully we can double the total number of families next year,” McCovery said.
I certainly hope that goal is met next, and that Family Weekend becomes a wonderful tradition here on campus. If you would like to know more about AUM Family Connection or Family Weekend, you can call the Office of Orientation at 334-244-3158 or email them at orientation@aum.edu.
By Matthew Robinson