Published on October 7, 2019 by Sarah Cain  
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Samford University’s annual Family Weekend drew families from all across the country, representing a Family Weekend record of 33 states, who registered for a variety of campus activities during the annual event Oct. 4-5.

Several thousand family members, students, faculty and staff took part in the schedule that ranged from college classes for parents to tailgating, football and a hymn sing.

“This year we have 15 state/regional tailgates representing the 48 contiguous states. The growth in representation and school spirit seen in tailgates is so very exciting,” said Susan Doyle, director of parent and family programs. “When I first tailgated as a parent at Samford in 2012, there were two state tailgates. Who would have ever thought we would have tailgaters on the quad from Washington to California to Texas to Florida to New Hampshire and everywhere in between!”

In addition to tailgating, the weekend offered families a chance to experience all facets of student life at Samford from classes to worship. This year’s Parent’s Academy offered 12 classes held on Friday, representing nearly all undergraduate schools. Other Friday events included a study abroad fair, Bulldog Baseball fall scrimmage, movie night, a meet and greet with the Samford coaches and a reception hosted by university President Andrew Westmoreland.  

“A highlight for the Office of Parent and Family Programs this year was the opportunity to showcase its new space in the University Center,” Doyle said. “Samford parents now have a comfortable, quiet place dedicated to serving their needs and providing a place where, when on campus, they can work with access to a printer, scanner and Wi-Fi. We look forward to welcoming parents to this new, wonderful space.”

The Samford Parents Association breakfast kicked off Saturday’s schedule, followed by open houses, tailgating, Bulldog Walk and the Samford vs. Furman football game. 

On Sunday, Samford held its annual Hymn Sing in Reid Chapel. Sponsored by the School of the Arts, the event featured congregational singing of hymns and gospel songs selected by audience participants.

Senior Lauren Falink made the most of her final Family Weekend as a student.

“Family weekend was such a sweet time to get to reconnect with my family and show them all the reasons why I love Samford even four years later,” she said.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.