William Woods University will host its annual Fall Family Weekend on Friday and Saturday with up to 100 visitors expected to attend.
Every year, William Woods invites the families of students to visit and take part in campus life for a weekend, according to Mary Ann Beahon, university spokesperson. Whether it's attending a class or participating in the dock party, there will be plenty to do for the entire family.
"We consider our students' parents and other family members to be part of our William Woods family," said Shawn Hull, director of advancement. "We are always delighted to have them come to campus. Fall Family Weekend, though, is a time to formally welcome them to campus and let them enjoy a little bit of the WWU experience."
On Friday, classes will be open for family members to attend all day. A welcome social will be 3:30-5:30 p.m. on the terrace in front of McNutt Campus Center. This networking opportunity for families, faculty and staff is co-sponsored by the Parents' Association and Student Alumni Council.
The Cox Art Gallery will be open all weekend for viewing the sculpture and drawings of Ed Smith. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Also taking place both days is the WWU theater department's first main stage production of the year, "Our Hats off to You: A Performing Arts Extravaganza." The production will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The annual equestrian Jumper Derby begins at 8 a.m. Saturday and runs all day. It will be north of Firley Soccer Field.
Coffee and pastries will be available from 10-11 a.m. Saturday in the lobby of the Gladys Woods Kemper Center for the Arts. This provides parents an opportunity to meet William Woods President Dr. Jahnae H. Barnett.
The Equestrian Complex Open House gets underway at 11 a.m. Saturday, allowing spectators to watch equestrian students in saddle seat, hunter/jumper, dressage and western free ride.
The annual Fall Family Weekend Golf Tournament, a four-person, shotgun scramble, will begin at noon at Tanglewood Golf Course.
From 2-4 p.m., a dock party with a barbecue buffet, music and a cash bar will be at Junior Lake and the Aldridge Patio. The dock party is co-sponsored by the Parents' Association and the Inter-Fraternity Council.
A number of athletic events are scheduled for the weekend, including an alumni baseball game at 7 p.m. Friday at Backer Sports Complex. A volleyball match versus Lyon College will be the same time. At 1 p.m. Saturday, the Owls volleyball team will take on Williams Baptist College. Both volleyball matches will be in the Helen Stephens Sports Complex.
Saturday evening, families are encouraged to have dinner in downtown Fulton's Brick District.