Sacred Heart University students are preparing to welcome their families to campus for Family Weekend, a tradition that brings hundreds of visitors back to college in Fairfield, CT. With a packed schedule ahead, the weekend offers a glimpse into campus life, providing families with the chance to experience SHU firsthand.
One of the most anticipated events of the weekend will be the football game, where students and parents will pack Campus Field to cheer on the Pioneers. The game against Delaware State will serve as a centerpiece of Family Weekend, blending school pride with family tradition, giving visiting relatives a taste of the energy that defines Sacred Heart.
Other popular events include Big Red Bingo at the Edgerton Center, a student performance of A Midsummer’s Night Dream at the Black Box Theater, shuttle trips to Silverman’s Farm, the Dance Program’s weekend showcase at the Edgerton Center, and VOYAGE, a Journey tribute band, which will perform in the Martire Family Arena on Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.
With so many events and activities happening across campus, the weekend often kicks off with a whirlwind of new experiences for families. However, by their second visit, it all begins to feel more familiar, like a community.
“This year feels much more relaxed. Last year, everything was brand new; we were just getting to know the campus, the routines, and how our daughter would fit into her new environment. Now, she’s really settled in, and it’s amazing to see how comfortable and confident she has become here,” said Skip Snyder, father of sophomore Katherine Snyder.
The weekend aims to offer support and reassurance to parents, especially those of first-year students who might be feeling homesick. Also, it establishes a sense of pride for students, showing their parents around their home away from home.
“The most meaningful part is seeing how she has made this campus her home. Walking around with her, hearing her stories, and meeting the people who have become so important in her life allows us to share in her journey in a very personal way,” said Joanne Snyder, mother of sophomore Katherine Snyder.
For upperclassmen, it feels more like a moment of reflection. Parents see how much their child has grown since move-in day, and students recognize the importance of having their family experience the campus that has shaped their day-to-day life.
“It’s not just about visiting a school, it’s about experiencing Sacred Heart as she experiences it, and that’s something really special as parents,” said Joanne Snyder.
To find out more about the upcoming Family Weekend schedule, please visit: https://www.sacredheart.edu/news-room/news-listing/family-weekend-returns-to-sacred-heart/
