SHSU adds alumni reception, pep rally to Bearkat Family Weekend

Students and families of Sam Houston State University will experience a full weekend packed with new events as they head to “The Fabulous Huntsvegas, Texas” for this year’s Bearkat Family Weekend.

In addition to the traditional happenings of family weekend, the Dean of Students’ Office added a variety of new events to this year’s family weekend to provide well-rounded activities for families, according to Chelsea Smith, assistant dean of students for parent relations and special programs.  

“After looking at what we did last year, I looked at what other universities offered and I wanted to make Bearkat Family Weekend more entertaining and actually have a full weekend of events,” Smith said.

New additions to family weekend include a collaborative event with the SHSU Alumni Relations office to recognize the strong alumni group at SHSU, according to Smith. The “Bearkat Legacy” will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Visitor Center, and will provide a unique opportunity for students to network with alumni and recognize Bearkats within their families.

Following the event, SHSU will kick off the first football game of the season with the first pep rally at 7 p.m.  in the LSC Mall Area. Families will hear from President Dana Gibson, Coach Willie Fritz and several Bearkat football players along with performances from the Bearkat Marching Band and spirit teams.

“We are super excited about this event,” Smith said. “Our goal was to provide a fun way to kick off the first game and match that excitement for families.”

For Saturday’s lineup of events, registered families can participate in the coffee with administrators, visiting university departments and attend the Vegas-themed carnival in the Johnson Coliseum filled with games and chances to win several prizes. Lunch will feature an Elvis Presley impersonator to help bring the Vegas theme to campus. That afternoon, students and families can take a look at new additions to the “Classic Car Cruise-In” along with some “extra special guests”, according to Smith.

With more than 1,800 people registered for this year’s event, Smith said she hopes to offer something for entire families to enjoy while on campus.

“Parents want to come and see how their child is doing since they dropped them off,” she said. “Now that students are here, they can show their families what their college experience is all about.”

Although registration is closed, students can still participate in the department open house events and attend the football game. Football tickets must be purchased separately or in advance through the Athletic Department. For a full schedule of events at Bearkat Family Weekend, visit the website at http://www.shsu.edu/~slo_www/weekend/schedule.html or the event’s Facebook page.