Today@Sam Article

Bearkat Family Weekend Returns

Aug. 15, 2018
SHSU Media Contact: Tyler Pointer

The meaning and importance of “family” at Sam Houston State University is one with many definitions.  In celebration of the unity created between the student body and their families, the annual Bearkat Family Weekend is scheduled for Sept. 28-30.

Bearkat Family Weekend’s goal is to actively engage the families of SHSU students and give them a glimpse of campus life, all while showing them their students’ home away from home, according to Associate Dean of Students Chelsea Smith. 

“We believe it is important for families to come and see what their student’s life is like inside and outside of the classroom,” Smith said. “Parents and families don’t get the opportunity to see what their student experiences while they are away from home, and this is a unique opportunity to see it from the student perspective.”

Bearkat Family Weekend has a wide array of activities planned for students and parents to actively engage.

“This year we have several new opportunities for families.  In collaboration with Program Council, we have added a screening of ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’,” Smith said. We have also added a Sunday Send-Off Brunch that is going to be amazing.  We will have chicken and waffles, eggs and potatoes, as well as live music from local Houston artist JB Barnett. There is also a 5K-Run, “Bearkat Bolt,” happening on Sunday that is new to the schedule.”

Lindsay Lauher, program coordinator, believes the Bearkat Family Weekend is one of the most exciting traditions on campus. 

“The most fun part of Bearkat Family Weekend for me is to see a sea of orange across campus.  This event brings in Bearkat supporters of all ages and is centered around fun and engaging activities from start to finish,” Lauher said. “Bearkat families leave with a lot of knowledge and information, but what I hope and believe they gain most is a sense of the Bearkat family and community. This welcoming spirit is one of the unique and special aspects that truly sets our institution apart.”  

The deadline to register for Bearkat Family Weekend is Sept. 7 and the deadline to register for the Bearkat Bolt 5K is Sept. 19. 

A complete list of events can be found on the Bearkat Family Weekend schedule website.

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