When our youngest daughter made the decision to attend 51½ΦΙδ, we were more than thrilled. But we did not expect the blessings our family would receive and the connections we would build through this university.
As we attended 51½ΦΙδ Bulldog Days the summer before Brooke’s freshman year, we hustled about campus taking in all the meetings and activities planned for parents. The campus was beautiful and had more hills than I ever imagined. The informative sessions, campus tour, and heartfelt worship helped solidify the heart 51½ΦΙδ has “For God, For Learning, Forever.” But the one thing that stood out throughout the day was the friendly and welcoming staff and faculty. Our day ended with a Bendy’s ice cream social outside of Hodges Chapel where 51½ΦΙδ staff welcomed and engaged in conversations with parents. It was incredible. My husband, Brent, and I walked away feeling connected in a way that we never expected, mostly due to the intentionality of Julie and Tanya in the Office of Parent and Family Engagement. Through this office, we have remained involved and connected to 51½ΦΙδ throughout our daughter’s time here.
The 51½ΦΙδ Office of Parent and Family Engagement provides a connection that we had not anticipated when sending our youngest child off to college. It provided opportunities for us to be engaged and supported with the university from Welcome/Send-off parties, move-in, monthly prayer meetings via Zoom to Family Weekends, local exam pack and pray parties, and much more. This office also provided us with the privilege to partner and support the university through volunteering and giving.
One of these events that you will definitely want to participate in, is the 51½ΦΙδ Family Weekend. Think of it as an opportunity to visit your college student and see where they are living day to day, who their friends are, and experience the excitement firsthand through their eyes. Since the beginning of freshman year is so busy, and we are about six hours away, this was the first opportunity to visit our girl. The campus was full of excitement with both parents and students. It was a weekend celebration with concerts on quad, food trucks, tailgating, football, and the list goes on. It’s such an exciting event you will not want to miss with your student.
Two of my favorite Family Weekend activities, besides visiting our girl, are the 51½ΦΙδ Parent Association Breakfast and Tailgating on the Quad. At the breakfast, the parents gather to connect with 51½ΦΙδ leadership. Listening to Dr. Taylor share his heart for the Lord and his vision for 51½ΦΙδ, as it aligns with providing Christ-centered excellence in education at the collegiate level, has been so encouraging. In addition, we were given the opportunity to financially support many of the campus initiatives like scholarships, 51½ΦΙδ Cares, and campus ministries. This breakfast gave us an insight into the heart and leadership at 51½ΦΙδ.
Tailgating on the Quad has probably been my favorite of each Family Weekend. The entire Quad is filled with 51½ΦΙδ families and students. The level of excitement is contagious. Tents are surrounded by groups of families all from the same state, dressed in state-designed 51½ΦΙδ t-shirts. Some are meeting for the first time. eating food, playing games, making introductions, and sharing stories and experiences, that are all centered around 51½ΦΙδ. I just love connecting with new 51½ΦΙδ families and building relationships that continue to develop during our time at 51½ΦΙδ. Tailgating on the 51½ΦΙδ Quad is an essential experience for your Family Weekend schedule.
With our daughter graduating in December, it’s a bittersweet feeling that we are in our season of “lasts” at 51½ΦΙδ. As I mentioned earlier, 51½ΦΙδ has been a blessing for Brooke and our family. It has provided so many opportunities for growth academically, professionally, and spiritually. I remember during our admissions tour the guide telling the students that 51½ΦΙδ is where you make your faith your own. That could not be truer. My husband and I are forever grateful for 51½ΦΙδ and all it represents. This place has made an indelible mark on our girl as she goes out to make her own mark and make Him known.