Last month, campus was buzzing with activity as thousands of Rensselaer families visited the campus to celebrate Family Weekend.
For more than 60 years, parents, family members, alumni, and friends have made the trek to the Troy campus to attend the annual event. “This year the theme for Family Weekend is ‘190 years of Family’—celebrating not only the memories of Rensselaer families and students, but also 63 years of this amazing campus tradition,” said Shante Brown, assistant dean in the Office of the First-Year Experience.
From Oct. 24-26, students and families had an opportunity to get a taste of life at Rensselaer through a variety of cultural offerings, student performances and exhibitions, academic and center open houses, and many on- and off-campus events including programs at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the Farmer’s Market, athletic competitions, Quidditch, and special presentations and exhibits by the Folsom Library staff to highlight the theme of 190 years of Rensselaer families.
Autumn is such a wonderful time to be in Troy and to celebrate Family Weekend. The annual Family Weekend event has always served as a great way to ensure that everyone finds a way to share and enjoy the culture and rich traditions of Rensselaer.”—Shante Brown
The annual event—hosted by the Office of the Student Experience—typically attracts thousands to campus to experience the season and life at Rensselaer. This year, more than 4,000 people attended. The Student Experience and First-Year Experience Office also collaborated with the Rensselaer Union, Residence Life, Athletics, the Office of the Provost, Enrollment Management, the Office of the Registrar, in addition to many others, to coordinate the Family Weekend offerings.
To spotlight the diverse cultures on campus, the annual International Festival event featured a showcase of over 25 different countries representing the Rensselaer Union international student organizations and individual members of campus. In addition, families had an opportunity to attend the annual Fall Fest Celebration. The free communiversity event features student demonstrations, entertainment, and hands-on activities for individuals of all ages. Area businesses and community organizations also participated. Overall, more than 80 events over the weekend highlighted the many facets of Rensselaer.
“Autumn is such a wonderful time to be in Troy and to celebrate Family Weekend,” Brown said. “This year, 15 faculty members graciously opened the doors to their classrooms to allow parents and families a glimpse into the true student experience at Rensselaer. In addition to campus visitors and students, it was great to see Rensselaer staff and faculty members attend the various open programs that we had scheduled throughout the weekend. The annual Family Weekend event has always served as a great way to ensure that everyone finds a way to share and enjoy the culture and rich traditions of Rensselaer.”—Jessica Otitigbe