Hokie families flock to Fall Family Weekend
New Student and Family Programs welcomed Hokie families to campus to reconnect with their students for Fall Family Weekend. Over 3,800 attendees took part in an array of activities, complete with an electrifying game against Wofford College.
The weekend began at Squires Student Center, where families checked in on Friday and got an overview of all 22 events offered throughout the weekend. Pre-registered families could pick up a swag bag full of Virginia Tech merchandise while they waited for students to finish their Friday courses.
Freshman Alex Martin was out getting coffee and crêpes with her roommate after class, a tradition her parents encouraged her to continue despite their visit. Bonnie Martin marveled at the change in her daughter’s attitude after just a few weeks.
“When we dropped her off, she was like, 'How am I going to find my way around campus?'”
On this visit, said Bonnie Martin, “She was telling us specific things about different buildings. It was really cool just seeing her version of this world.”
Both parents were moved by the kinship displayed on campus throughout the day.
“We were walking around till 9:45 last night and then ended up at D2, and all the kids were out there getting late-night snacks, or at the fire pit, and some were just sitting there and enjoying it,” said Bonnie Martin.
“Virginia Tech does a really good job of giving you somewhere to go," said John Martin. “You're staying here, you're together, you're by the fire pit that’s there all day long, and it’s nice.”
Exploring campus events and activities
Around noon that Friday, Virginia Tech’s Chillfield truck parked outside the Graduate Life Center Lawn to offer customizable drink koozies for students and families. Alexa Stadler, a first-year student studying Spanish and multimedia journalism, said she was familiar with the truck from university events like Gobblerfest. She was there with her mother, who shared her excitement.
“My husband went here, so we’re thrilled to have a freshman here now,” said Teresa Camden, who added her family was looking forward to a weekend of “lots of football, lots of good food, and lots of time hugging!”
On Saturday, Blacksburg buzzed with anticipation for the third home game of the season. Over 860 people gathered on Dietrick Lawn to participate in the official Family Weekend game day tailgate. Registered families grabbed a meal plate and a free t-shirt before enjoying yard games, a live DJ, and meeting the VT Therapy dogs.
First-year engineering major Peter Martin was more excited about the marching band performance than the football game. His mother, Deborah Martin, was surprised by the cohesiveness of The Marching Virginians. “Their marching band is stellar,” said Deborah Martin. “How these kids, with a week of band camp, can all gel and know what they're doing out there, it looks like they've been together for years! I was totally impressed.”
A celebratory victory and sweet send-offs
While fans were nervous about the Wofford game, the first victory of the season energized both students and their visiting family members.
Student Scout Green took all her visiting family to the game and her parents downtown afterward. “It was really fun. There were some bonding experiences, so it was great.”
The Green family was busy finding the perfect fit at the bookstore after their busy night out before they said their goodbyes.
“This is our last stop, I think. This is the last thing we’re doing, and then they're leaving,” said Scout Green with a poorly disguised smile. “I'll miss you guys,”
“She says that cause she’s being recorded,” said her father, Brad Green.
“That’s not true. I do miss them!” said Scout Green, prompting laughter all around.
Family Weekends are partly supported by the Hokie Family Annual Fund, which supports activities and events for all Hokies to enjoy throughout their time at Virginia Tech. Learn more about Fall Family Weekend and more ways to stay connected at the Hokie Families website, and visit Gobblerconnect for other on-campus events.
Written by Caitlin Whitfield, a senior majoring in multimedia journalism.
