Lauren Ruth – Staff Writer

The weekend of Oct. 8-10, 2021, Gustavus is hosting its annual Family Weekend. Gustavus dedicates one weekend each fall to host the families of Gustavus students on campus. The events are created so students can enjoy time with their families while also getting a chance to explore the campus.
Family weekend is a time where students can show their families their new living space as well as their new community. “The Gustavus pillar of community also extends to Gustie families,” Assistant Director of Campus Activities Garrett Meier said. Families can experience all the things they have been hearing about over the phone and over text.
The Campus Activities office has been working hard to coordinate the events hosted by a wide variety of groups on campus. They include Residential Life, The Gustie Well, CAB, LineUs, Dining Services, The Arboretum, GAC Acapella, the Music Department, Career Development and more. These groups have been working hard to ensure that families have an unforgettable experience.
Family Weekend begins Oct. 8, on Friday. Families are invited to attend classes with students all day to experience the academic programs at Gustavus. At 7:00 p.m. in Nobel Hall of Science, there is a movie showing of “Raya and the Last Dragon”. To end the night, there is a LineUs Improv show at Alumni Hall. Families are invited to join Gustavus’ renowned improv comedy troupe for an hour of laughter, fun and games.
Saturday, Oct. 9, is packed with activities for Gustavus families to enjoy. In the morning, families are encouraged to attend the ‘Wake up with Res Life’ event at the Residential Life office in the morning. Gustavus families can also go on a city tour of St. Peter. At 9:30 a.m. at the President’s Dining Room, the Career Development Office is hosting a series of panels and workshops.
Gustavus is also hosting its annual FallFest on that Saturday at 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m in the Linnaeus Arboretum. This event will be filled with games, activities, and food for all ages to enjoy. “Pet real alpacas, go for a hayride, hunt for treasure, play games, explore the Arb, learn from nature discovery activities, and much more”, Meier said.
In the afternoon, Dining Service is hosting a Carnival Lunch in the dining room. At 1:00 p.m. in the Courtyard Café, families can choose to attend Trivia with The Savants of Trivia, or a Walking Sculpture Tour. At 2:00 p.m. at the Tennis Center, there is the option to attend the Wilkinson Tennis Complex Dedication.
At 3:00 p.m. at the Eckman Mall, Campus Activities is hosting the Central Park Bubbles and Tie Dye event. This event is fun for all ages. Families are encouraged to join the fun in creating giant bubbles and tie dying. Free shirts will be provided to those who attend.
In the evening, at Alumni Hall, families can attend Bingo and pizza. There is also the option to attend another screening of “Raya and the Last Dragon”. At 8:00 p.m. in Bjorling Recital Hall, Marcus Monroe, comedian and juggler, is hosting a show.
Dining Services invites families to brunch beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday Oct. 10 at the Dining Center. Afterwards, the Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra, Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Gustavus Wind Symphony and Gustavus Wind Orchestra are performing a musical showcase at Christ Chapel. Following that, there is a Jazz Ensemble Performance at Bjorling Recital Hall featuring Adolphus Jazz and Gustavus Jazz. There will be another musical showcase at 3:00 p.m., where Gustavus Choir, Choir of Christ Chapel and Lucia Singers will perform.
Campus Activities encourages Gustavus students and families to take advantage of a weekend “full of family friendly events [to] show off your new home to loved ones” Meier said. The full Family Weekend schedule can be found online at the Gustavus website as well as printed copies at the information desk. Gustavus looks forward to hosting this event and to have families on campus.