St. Joe's Family Weekend

From academic meetings, mass and even Duff from the television show "Ace of Cakes," St. Joe's had it all at this year's annual Family Weekend. Families toured the campus, heard all about academics, and enjoyed a carnival.

The weekend began with a carnival on St. Mary's Lawn. Sponsored by the Greek Council and Student Leadership and Activities, the day included kettle corn, funnel cakes and raffles for a variety of prizes.

Colleen Shannon, '15, and her family attended the Family Weekend carnival on St. Mary's Lawn. Shannon says the carnival was "a fun thing for families with younger kids to go to" with bounce houses, racecourses, kettle corn, homemade French fries, and funnel cake.

Younger siblings who visited campus were kept busy with the rides and activities at the carnival.

Caitlin Bolmarcich, '15, who also attended the carnival, has two younger brothers who participated in the slide race. She said of the families and little kids gathered, "It was nice to see everybody together."

Families were also invited to brunch, where they could rest from the fast pace of activities.

Christine Toner, '15, and her family went to the McShain brunch and Family Weekend Mass. Bolmarcich and her family attended Mass as well. Toner said, "Mass was very crowded this weekend."

Later on Saturday afternoon, "City Bells" and "54th and City" performed for families gathered in The Perch.

Shannon and her family saw the all female and all male student a cappella groups perform at the Perch. She enjoyed the concert and said both groups talked about their upcoming shows and events.

On Saturday night, Duff from the show "Ace of Cakes" visited Bluett Theatre in Post Hall. A cake in the form of Barbelin with a sculpture of the Hawk on top was served. Duff talked about his life, how he founded "Ace of Cakes" and entered into the cake business.

Shannon and her family also attended the Duff "Ace of Cakes" event at the Bluett Theatre in Post.

"He was really funny," said Shannon. "I love the show and the cake was amazing, detail was awesome." She added that it "was a lot of fun for me and my family to go to."

Families got to know their way around the campus better because of the Family Weekend activities. Shannon said, "My family and I walked around the campus all day and got a good workout." She enjoyed the fact there was so much to do with her family on campus.

Bolmarcich and Toner said Family Weekend epitomized the well known "school spirit" of Saint Joseph's University. Bolmarcich said it showed how the campus was "close-knit" and you knew a lot of the people you passed walking around. Toner added, "A lot of parents had Saint Joe's stuff on" which showed how families come together as a part of the Saint Joseph's community.