�������Թ�

Students invited their parents and families to campus for a variety of engaging activities that showcased life at the University and enabled �������Թ�s to meet their classmates’ loved ones.

The University of New Haven campus was filled with joy, laughter, smiles, music and fall activities as students, friends, and families came together to celebrate the annual . This event lasted most of the day, and it included a lot of activities across campus, allowing families to spend time together, explore, and participate in the games and activities.

This year’s event also included the Residence Hall Association (RHA) hosting their annual Fall Fest on the same day! By having Fall Fest take place alongside Family Day there were a wide variety of activities, and it created an energetic atmosphere for the students, friends, and families.

The day started with the Power On Photo in the , where the visitors could take pictures with their loved ones. At the same time, families could visit the Pumpkin Patch on the lawn to choose and decorate some pumpkins.

As the day continued, families had the opportunity to participate in the activities across the campus. For example, Outsmarted: Ultimate Tournament was hosted by the Mathematics and Physics Department, where families could compete in teams in a live quiz that consisted of pictures, music, and trivia. Then, families could stop by the in the to create some personalized Charlie keychains.

At noon, games were on the Macy Quad for ‘MaxchyPaloozza’, where music, airbrush tattoos, and caricatures were taking place. Families were also encouraged to visit , the University’s radio station for a behind-the-scenes look, to meet DJs, and to learn more about the station. , the University’s student-run record label, also hosted a pop-up shop by the Bartels Patio.

‘The quad became a lively spot’

The afternoon’s excitement continued in the Bixler/Gerber Quad, where RHA hosted their annual Fall Fest. There were a variety of activities, ranging from archery, a mechanical pumpkin ride, and tabling games hosted by different residence halls, while a spray-art tattoo station was also there to give the visitors another way to participate in the festivities.

The mechanical pumpkin ride drew a lot of attention from the children while they were running around in the quad. Families enjoyed candy apples and kettle corn. With the music playing, fall decorations and people enjoying the festivities, the quad became a lively spot throughout the afternoon.

The excitement was portrayed through families moving around, taking pictures, and recording videos to remember the day. Students were introducing family members to friends, giving their loved ones the opportunity to meet people who had become part of their college experience.

I spoke with a parent and when I asked how her day was going, she responded with, “I’m having so much fun!” Her reaction validated the cheerful atmosphere throughout the afternoon, where families could be seen making most of their time together.

‘Moments that captured the excitement of being a �������Թ�’

The sense of togetherness continued as music played across the quad. When the familiar sound of the song “Cupid Shuffle” came on, families and friends joined in and danced together.

While Fall Fest was taking place, families also had the opportunity to participate in Spice It Up! in the Alumni Lounge, where they could make their own seasoning mixes to take home.

The day concluded with a showing of Paddington hosted by the Student Committee for Programming Events (SCOPE) on the Bixler/Gerber Quad. Families and friends could settle in for the movie and create fun Paddington-themed crafts, bringing the day to a close.

With all these events, Family Day offered families several ways to experience campus life. The combination of Family Day and Fall Fest made it a lively day at the University of New Haven. From children enjoying the rides to families dancing together on the quad, the day was filled with moments that captured the excitement of being a �������Թ�.

Family Day was more than just a schedule of activities; it was an opportunity for students and their loved ones to reconnect and create memories together.