Sept. 27 marked the start of New College of Florida’s Family Weekend. The three-day event featured activities such as an open house and tour of the Pritzker Marine Biology Lab led by marine biology students, a campus tour guided by Landscape Committee Chair Jono Miller, and a Sunday morning yoga class on the bayfront led by fitness instructor Helen Kesler.

Student Life Coordinator Beth Bowen said 270 people registered for the activities and close to 300 people registered for the Sunday meet and greet brunch on the bayfront. Bowen explained that primarily parents of first-years registered for Family Weekend activities, but there were also families that have been coming for three or four years who registered.

On Friday, families reunited with their Novocollegians and were welcomed with complimentary snacks at the Hampton Inn & Suites.

Students were encouraged to attend Family Weekend activities even if their families were not present.

“The parents enjoy meeting other students,” Bowen said.

On Saturday, student groups had tables outside of the Hamilton classrooms. There was a demonstration by the Fencing Club, t-shirts being sold for the Ringling vs. New College football game, and various other student clubs came out to show families what they are about.

“It’s a beautiful place,” first-year parent Dave Gordon said. “People really seem to enjoy themselves.”

Families also got to know students and experience some friendly NCF competition during the New College of Florida students vs. parents kickball game.

First-year Annie Gordon
explained that since her family lives in New York, visiting takes a lot of effort. She was glad her father, Dave Gordon, could make it to Family Weekend.

“I really liked that my dad got to meet my friends,” Gordon said.

Although students were sad to see their loved ones go, they were glad they had the chance to show their families around campus and introduce them to the friends they have made.