Shannon KeoughFall temperatures found their way onto Cabrini’s campus last weekend, and brought with them a crew of excited families, friends and alumni looking to take part in Homecoming and Family Weekend, which Cabrini hosted Sept. 25 to the 27.
The weekend kicked off on Friday, with the Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner in the Dixon Center. One-time Cabrini men’s basketball coach, John Dzik, spoke at the ceremony, which honored Cabrini’s alumni athletes.
Rita Horning ’03 was recognized for her time on the women’s softball team, and William Carr ’96 and John McQueen ’85 were both honored for men’s basketball.
The Honors Convocation took place Saturday morning, and was followed by a day of interactive activities around campus. The Commons hosted a variety of different novelties, including caricaturists, big chair photos and a magician.
Eryn O’Shaughnessy, sophomore criminology and sociology major, applauded Cabrini’s efforts to create a family atmosphere for the weekend.
“Our families get to see where we live, they get to meet our friends, and they get a little taste of what Cabrini is; it’s a good experience,” O’Shaughnessy said.
Cabrini’s offices opened their doors for open houses and meet and greets across campus. The Office of Diversity Initiatives, Residence Life and the Center for Teaching and Learning were only some of the offices that offered parents the chance to come and talk to faculty and staff. For Gina Mulranen, senior math secondary education major, this was an important part of the weekend.
“It’s important to see them [the parents] meet professors, see them in their environments. It adds character to the campus, as well as a common atmosphere with faculty and students,” Mulranen said.
Athletics were a highlight during the weekend, with volleyball, women’s soccer and field hockey games all taking place on campus. Kasey Agostinacchio, senior elementary education major, was excited to see the games play out.
“I want to see the soccer game and attend the women’s basketball tailgate this weekend,” Agostinacchio said.
Across campus, Dr. Zurek and past and present Loquitur editors were honored at the Loquitur’s 50th anniversary celebration in Grace Hall, where alumni reflected on their memories during their time on the staff.
Students, parents and alumni were put to the test on Saturday night at Quizzo Trivia, where teams of six competed for the chance to win $200 and the title of 2009 Cabrini trivia champ.
On Sunday morning, families gathered for Mass at 11 a.m. in the Bruckmann Chapel of St. Joseph. After Mass was over, brunch was served to all in the cafeteria. Later in the afternoon, a kite festival took place on the upper athletic field. Cabrini supplied kites for children under 10, as well as snacks, arts and crafts and face painting. When the wind wasn’t picking up, children kept busy with the moon bounce set up in the corner of the field.
The kite festival was followed by a soccer clinic, where the men’s and women’s soccer teams conducted a one-hour session for future Cavaliers.
Becca Rothemich, sophomore elementary special education major, considered the weekend a success.
“I think it’s really important for families to come up and spend the weekend because they get to see what you do beyond the first move in day, and they really get to kick-back and enjoy themselves, too,” Rothemich said.
