For the three days in February, Loyola Marymount University students welcomed their families to the bluff in record numbers to live out the university’s mission and have their own LMU experience.
As part of LMU’s annual Family Weekend, more than 1,459 guests between 489 families joined their students on campus. The number of total guests marked a new record attendance for Family Weekend, according to Lisha Maddox, associate director of Student Success and Parent Pride.
“Family weekend was remarkable and exciting as always,” Maddox said. “I was so proud to be able to share this wonderful campus with all of our families.”
The event, which took place February 10-12, included numerous events and activities over the course of three days. Each day of the event was themed to highlight one of the three pillars of the LMU mission — the encouragement of learning; the education of the whole person; and the service of faith and the promotion of justice.
“Friday was full of academic sessions to help parents get a deeper understanding of their students’ academic lives at LMU and the wonderful opportunities that are available to them like studying abroad, internships and post grad service,” said Vanessa Arredondo, associate director of Parent Programs and Parent Giving. Parent Programs and University Relations, in collaboration with Student Affairs, hosts Family Weekend.
One of Student Affairs’ most popular events included “This is Hanks House,” which gave families a glimpse into the history and pride of the LMU Lions athletics programs. Then on Saturday after the President’s Welcome at Sacred Heart Chapel, families head to Gersten Pavilion for the LMU Gameday Experience and cheer on the men’s basketball team as the Lions defeated the University of Portland.
Sunday’s events, such as the Family Weekend Mass and the Family Service project, gave families the chance to come together as a faith community and make meaningful and lasting impacts on the community around LMU, according to Arredondo.
Students and guests also turned out for “LMU’s Best Dance Crew,” an impressive showcase of the numerous dance teams on campus. Other Student Affairs events included Little Sibs Day, Shabbat Dinner and the Phi Fest fundraiser for the ALS Association. Each event gave parents and families a glimpse into LMU’s diverse yet like-minded organizations, services and programs available to students.
“For example, the Continental Breakfast with Ethnic and Intercultural Services was a wonderful moment where families learned more about the intercultural ethos of the university and learned just how important that is here at LMU,” Maddox said. “Some families came to campus specifically to attend Shabbat Dinner with their student, or to see their student perform during LMU’s Best Dance Crew or at Open Mic Night.”
Maddox added that the weekend succeeded in its goal to encourage families to spend quality time with each other, increase their understanding of the university’s objectives, and make lasting connections with the entire Lion community.
Learn more about Parent Programs and Family Weekend.