Parents and Family Weekend returns – The Famuan

Weekend flyer for parents and family.
Courtesy photo: FAMU

Florida A&M University’s Parents and Family Weekend returns this weekend with the Ratter Rodeo theme.

There are a number of events for guests to experience including the Old School Set Friday, Tailgating, and the FAMU vs. Alabama State University soccer game.

Joshlyn Thomas, Chair of the Parents and Family Weekend Committee, shares the purpose of the event.

“Overall, the parents and family weekend is an opportunity to connect families with their students,” said Thomas. “Essentially, they get a taste of the campus and everything the university and community have to offer.”

Efferson Student Union & Activities staff had not hosted this event since 2019.

Thomas said they look forward to welcoming parents and families and know they are excited to return and see the campus with new eyes.

So far, 200 people have registered for the event.

Through the various activities, Thomas hopes that guests will get the full FAMU experience.

“I hope that our guests will be fully immersed in our campus culture and maybe experience ‘A Day in the Life’ of a student, of course without the class,” said Thomas.

She also shared with whom the guests will have the opportunity to interact.

“They have the opportunity to interact with their students, faculty, staff and administration, as well as campus partners,” said Thomas. “At the end of the weekend you should be exhausted from such an exciting time!”

Ty-Azya Everett is in her senior year at FAMU. She shares why she would like her family and friends to attend this event.

“Everyone knows Welcome Week, the Spring Preview … so I want my friends and family to come over and see what the mood is all about,” said Everett. “That’s what we do; that’s what we were before COVID.”

Everett said she was most looking forward to the old school set on Friday.

“I think that’s what I’m looking forward to the most because everyone knows FAMU is known for the set,” said Everett.

Everett also shared how excited she is to show her family what an HBCU soccer game looks like, especially with the band.

“It’s one thing to listen to a band on TV and actually sit next to them and feel the energy of the stadium,” said Everett.

Aliya Everett is a junior transfer student.

Everett shares that she has never experienced the event and most looks forward to making real connections and seeing the university keep students connected with loved ones.

“I just want to make real connections … and see how my institution brings alumni and current students together,” said Everett.

The Parents and Family Committee worked with the Student Health Service and POM to ensure that the event complied with safety guidelines.

Guests are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing. Hygiene stations are set up at every event and the rooms used are disinfected before and after each program.