This weekend an estimated 1,000 alumni and parents convened on the Conn campus for Fall Weekend.
Fall Weekend was created ten years ago when two previously separate events, parent’s weekend and alumni weekend, were combined. Instead of hosting two events, the college organized one that would involve everyone – parents, alumni, students, faculty and friends.
Each year, a theme for Fall Weekend is chosen in relation to what is happening at the College. This year’s theme was “Staying Connected,” with an emphasis on the ways in which technology is changing the way we live and communicate. Previous themes have included President Higdon’s inauguration in 2006 and the launch of the College’s Capital Campaign last year.
President Higdon emphasized the significance of this year’s theme of “Staying Connected.”
“It’s a very relevant theme for us because what we want to do is to bring the alums back and send a message to them that they are a part of our continuing life at the college and they are critical to our success. We are trying to make sure that our current students have various interactions with the alumni, as they think about their life after Connecticut College,” said Higdon.
The weekend offered a wide range of programs and activities for alumni, parents and students alike including the Academic Fair, Harvestfest, Camel sports, half-year reunion, panel discussions, performances and art exhibits.
Harvestfest was by far the most crowded event, and generally the most attended by students. Hosted by the Student Activities Council, approximately eighty clubs and organizations sold paraphernalia under the tent on Tempel Green.
Sophomore Christina Finch said she didn’t have much time to attend panel discussions, but that Harvestfest was her favorite event, “I think it’s really cool to see what all the different clubs are doing, and seeing that everyone is so involved.”
Michael Fopiano, father of Melissa Fopiano ‘13, said, “I enjoyed Fall Weekend overall; I’m not an alumnus of the school, but I have this affinity towards [it]. This gives me an opportunity to understand the school better. I get a good sense that there’s a preparation for solving world problems at the undergraduate level, which I think is really important in why we chose this school.”
There was 800 times less going on this year than there have been in past years. Or do I just have selective memory from last year’s excessfest?
Also would have been nice if things were better spread out — nothing happening between 3 and 7, but too many events at 10 AM; dukes were still sleeping.