10:09 a.m., Oct. 13, 2009----The University of Delaware rolled out the blue and gold carpet for Parents & Family Weekend, Oct. 9-11, to make it a special reunion for students and their families on the Newark campus.

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“The University put its best foot forward, the weather cooperated and the weekend was thoughtfully organized, with many from the University community volunteering their time and with a wide variety of activities available for students and their families,” Michael Gilbert, vice president for student life, said. “The weekend was very successful, and the feedback has been positive, not only from parents but also from the UD faculty and staff who participated.”

“We processed more than 2,500 orders for tickets,” said Jennifer Specter, who coordinates special events for student life. “Many parents have contacted me and told me they thought the weekend was wonderful and that they enjoyed the activities and the opportunity to connect with and do things together with their students.

“Special thanks goes to Student Life staff and others who volunteered to pitch in to make the weekend run smoothly -- we could not have done it without them,” she added.

Events included President Patrick Harker's Town Hall meeting on Saturday morning, featuring a panel representing UD. It was an opportunity for parents to learn what is going on at the University and attracted several hundred people, Specter said.

This was followed by three well-attended talks: John Byrne, director of UD's Center for Energy and Environment Policy, spoke on UD's Climate Action Plan; Timothy Clydesdale, professor of sociology at The College of New Jersey, spoke on the transition to life after high school; and humorous and motivational speaker Judson Laipply spoke on “Life is Change.”

During the afternoon the colleges held open houses, and there were tours, presentations and other demonstrations. They attracted great turnouts, and parents were interested and engaged in the programs, Gilbert said.

A Blue Hen Pre-Game Tailgate for 2,000 students and families, featuring YoUDee, cheerleaders and the UD Marching Band preceded the gridiron clash between UD and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Before the sell-out game, the UMass band and the UD Marching Band had a friendly rivalry of their own with an entertaining Battle of the Bands outside the Field House. Then it was time for the 6 p.m. kickoff, and the Fightin' Blue Hens capped the weekend by winning 43 to 27.

Entertainment also was available for all tastes from a sold-out comedy show with 2,700 persons in attendance featuring Colin Quinn on Friday; a Master Players concert; and the always-popular "Ghosts (and History) Walks" with author and alumnus Ed Okonowicz and historian Mike Dixon. Skating sessions also were open to families.

The weekend concluded with a Sunday brunch, University-style, in the UD dining halls.

Article by Sue Moncure
Photos by Ambre Alexander, Kathy F. Atkinson and Tyler Jacobson