News Article

Gonzaga University has dozens of activities planned and is rolling out the red carpet this weekend by inviting as special guests students’ parents, siblings, grandparents and friends to come to campus for Gonzaga’s annual Fall Family Weekend Oct. 24-26.

During Fall Family Weekend, a Gonzaga tradition, families and friends of Gonzaga students spend the weekend visiting their beloved Zag and looking at their new independent life, a fun-filled weekend of activities for mind, body and spirit as well as some exciting family entertainment.

Highlights include the “Colin and Brad Show,” at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.), Friday, Oct. 24 at the McCarthey Athletic Center featuring the stars of the hit TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” A myriad of other lectures are available as well including, “How to Get Your Son or Daughter off the Family Payroll,” from 1-2 p.m., Saturday (Oct. 25), in the Wolff Auditorium of the Jepson Center; this popular presentation offers ways to instill financial independence and networking skills in your student.

Fall Family Weekend also is a great opportunity for prospective students to visit Gonzaga’s campus and get a sense of what makes “the Gonzaga Experience” so unique. High school seniors and juniors will meet with an admission counselor, tour campus and attend classes. Call Gonzaga’s Visit Office as soon as possible (1-800-322-2584) to reserve your spot and they will begin creating an individualized schedule for your visit.

For more information, frequently asked questions, a complete schedule of planned events or a listing of hotels in the area visit the Fall Family Weekend Web site at www.gonzaga.edu/ffw; FFW staff also may be contacted at (509) 313-5571, or via e-mail at ffw@gonzaga.edu.

Fall Family Weekend Schedule of Events

Friday, Oct. 24

8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Registration Check-in and Campus Tours (1898 Room): Check-in is located immediately inside the main entrance of College Hall (formerly the Administration Building) where visitors can pick up the Fall Family Weekend packet;

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Class Visits for Parents: Select a class to attend from a listing of available classes located in the Fall Family Weekend packets.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jundt Art Center & Museum: Jundt Galleries will feature “Geography/Geology,” new work by GU art faculty Terry Gieber and Mary Farrell.

Noon. Daily Noon Mass: In the University Chapel, in College Hall, third floor, east end.

2 p.m. Men’s Soccer: GU takes on Portland on the new soccer field located on the south end of campus, west of the Martin Centre.

2-3 p.m. Library Resources That Work: Informational session demonstrating library resources and services to meet the needs of millennial learners, at the Foley Center Library, Lower Level Lab.

3-4 p.m. Academic Planning: If you have questions about how your student is planning or should be planning for academic life, join the Office of Academic Services for this open question-and-answer session to learn all about academic planning.

4-6 p.m. Autumn Gala: A celebration (in the East Lobby of the McCarthey Athletic Center) and opportunity to enjoy great music, wine or punch, and hors d’oeuvres with Gonzaga faculty and administrators. All family members welcome.

4-5:30 p.m. Socratic Club Lecture: Gonzaga’s Socratic Club explores “Jane Austen as Christian Author” in Room 101 of College Hall.

4-9 p.m. Intramurals: Intramural games are a huge part of student life at Gonzaga. Intramurals will be played on Mulligan Field, directly south of the COG Marketplace.

7:30 p.m. ‘Curse of the Starving Class’: This dark comedic drama examines a dysfunctional family of four as it struggles for control of a farm and searches for freedom, security and meaning; in Magnuson Theatre, first floor, east end, College Hall.

8 p.m. ‘Colin and Brad Show’: The daffy duo from TV’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” bring their improvisational act to the McCarthey Athletic Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 with student ID at Gonzaga’s Ticket Central. Other tickets are $25 at www.ticketswest.com.

9-11 p.m. Gonzaga Night at Costco (North Division Store): Prizes, coupons and food court; for Gonzaga families only. You need not be a member of Costco to attend.

Saturday, Oct. 25

8 a.m.-midnight. Club Sports: A full schedule of club sports is included in each family’s packet upon arrival for the weekend. These events will take place on Mulligan Field, south of the COG Marketplace.

9-11:30 a.m. ‘Head of the Spokane’: GU crew teams will compete in a home regatta on the Spokane River.

9 a.m.-noon. Topics of Special Interest

• Studies Abroad: Presentation and Q&A session about available study-abroad programs, including Florence and Paris.
• Cyber Security: Keeping your student (and the whole family) safe in today’s high-tech world.
• GAMP: Trek Program: One-hour presentation and Q&A session for parents interested in having their student gain employment after graduation.
• Academic Planning: 50-minute Q&A sessions for parents interested in helping students with academic planning. How many credits to take? What courses are required? Everything you ever wanted to know and more about academic life.
• Faculty Demonstrations: Our gifted faculty offer 50-minute sessions to tantalize your curiosity and intellect. Philosophers at the movies, the magic of TV, and building on the moon are among the options.
• 9 a.m.-noon. Li’l Bulldog Activities: Drop off your little ones for a variety of fun activities on campus. Children ages 3-10 are welcome to take part in games, crafts and snacks hosted by GU students.

9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. ROTC Field Training: Take a field trip with GU’s nationally recognized ROTC unit. Field lunch will be provided. Reserve transportation space and gather at Cataldo Hall for a ride to the Camp 7-Mile; personal vehicles not allowed.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jundt Art Museum: See Friday’s 10 a.m. description of exhibits.

11a.m.-noon. Study Abroad Special Sessions: To be held at Cataldo Hall, this is an opportunity to get more information about Gonzaga’s exciting Study Abroad programs.

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. GU Science Research Program Poster Session: Come listen to research presentations by more than 30 outstanding GU biology and chemistry students. Also find out about research opportunities both on- and off-campus.

12:30-3 p.m. Greenbluff Apple Festival Field Trip: Tour the foothills of Mt. Spokane for the annual Greenbluff Apple Festival with arts, crafts, food and music in one of Spokane’s beautiful surrounding farm areas. Transportation provided with reservations. Maps will be available for families using their own vehicles.

2 p.m. ‘Curse of the Starving Class’: See Friday’s 7:30 p.m. theatrical offering.

2 p.m. Presidential Issues Debate: Gonzaga’s debate team argues issues surrounding the 2008 elections such as the bailout to improve the economy, Iraq and health care, in College Hall, Room 101.

2-4 p.m.: Jesuit Community Open House: The Jesuit Community at GU welcomes you to their home for afternoon refreshments, conversation and a great view of the Spokane River.

5 p.m. Saturday Evening Mass: In the University Chapel, located in College Hall, third floor, east end. Rev. Mark McGregor, S.J., will preside.

7:30 p.m. Gonzaga University Choir Concert: Come enjoy the nationally acclaimed GU Choir as they perform in St. Aloysius Church. Donations are gratefully accepted.

7:30 p.m.: ‘Curse of the Starving Class’: See Friday’s 7:30 p.m. theatrical offering.

Sunday Oct. 26

8:30 a.m. -2 p.m. Hospitality Room (1898 Room).

8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. Sunday Mass: Families are welcome to attend Mass in St. Aloysius Church. Gonzaga President Rev. Robert Spitzer, S.J., will preside over both Masses.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Class and Parents’ Crew BBQ: Crew parents join your student for Class Day races and BBQ.

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Brunch at the Marketplace in the COG: Families will join their students for a healthy brunch before departing for home.