Sept. 18, 2009
Contact:
Liz Babiarz, 404-413-1356
University Relations
ATLANTA - Dozens of parents and family members will gather on the Georgia State University campus on Sept. 26-27 for the fifth annual Family Weekend.
From a barbecue cookout to a chance to observe a classroom lecture, the weekend offers ample opportunities for families to reconnect with their students and get to know more about Georgia State.
"Family weekend is an opportunity for parents and families to spend time on the beautiful Georgia State campus, have fun and learn more about the university, as they experience it with their student," said Matthew Robison, Georgia State's director of new student programs and parent relations.
Close to 150 family members are expected for this year's event, Robison said. The weekend will kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 with the "Blue & White Breakfast" and a welcome from Georgia State Head Football Coach Bill Curry. He will update parents and students on Georgia State's football kick-off, now less than 365 days away.
Families can attend information sessions on the future of Georgia State and then choose to observe a class being taught by a Georgia State University distinguished professor. Roberta Attanasio, associate professor of biology, will be lecturing on infectious diseases, immunity and vaccines, and Shelby Frost, associate professor of economics, will be discussing the economy and consumer choice.
At noon, a barbecue cookout, sponsored by the Parents Association, will be held on Urban Life Plaza, complete with games, prizes and music. The Georgia State cheerleaders and the mascot, Pounce, will make an appearance to get the party started.
Lunch will be followed by a choice of two information sessions for families, the first on what parents need to know about academic success in college and the second on career planning. At 2:15 p.m., families will head to the Georgia Aquarium or take part in other activities on campus.
The evening will round out with a trip to Panthersville, the university's sports complex. At 7 p.m., families can cheer on the GSU men's soccer team as they take on Hofstra University. Admission is free and all individuals registered with Family Weekend will receive a free hotdog and soft drink. On Sunday, Sept. 27, families are invited to spend more time with their students on campus or around the city of Atlanta.
The cost to attend Family Weekend is $30 per adult and $15 per student. Members of the Georgia State Parents Association receive a discounted adult price of $20. The day trip to the Georgia Aquarium is $22.
For more information, visit the Office of New Student Programs and Parent Relations online at http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwnew/index.htm
For a Family Weekend brochure, click:
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwnew/pdfandWordFiles/family_weekend.pdf