From Sept. 21-23, the family members of current students will return to campus for Family Weekend 2018, the University’s annual chance for families to get a first-hand look into the lives of their students.
Friday, Sept. 21
11 a.m. - A Celebration of Community: The Inauguration of Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., as The University of Scranton’s 27th President
Join the entire University community in the Byron Recreation Complex for the inauguration of the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., as the University’s 27th president, and then celebrate the occasion by breaking bread with your fellow Royals at a luncheon immediately following the ceremony on the Dionne Green.
1 p.m. – Men’s Golf at Keystone College
Cheer on Men’s Golf as they take on Keystone College at Stonehedge Golf Course in Tunkhannock.
4:30 p.m. – Registration Opens at The DeNaples Center
Pick up your Family Welcome packet from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the first floor lobby of The DeNaples Center. To register in advance for a fee of $35 per family, visit this link.
4:30 p.m. – Campus Ministries Service Trip Fundraiser
Come to the first floor lobby of the DeNaples Center from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and/or from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 22, to participate in a basket raffle benefitting the University’s domestic and international service trips. Tickets are $1 each, or 25 for $20. The drawing will be held promptly at 5 p.m. Saturday.
5 p.m. – Food Truck Friday at Nay Aug Park (Community Event)
Journey up Mulberry Street to Nay Aug Park and indulge your inner foodie at Food Truck Friday, a community event hosted by Nay Aug Park and the Leadership Lackawanna project. The event will be held between the Everhart Museum and the Greenhouse. There will be multiple food trucks present filled with tons of food, as well as music. This event is a great opportunity for families to enjoy dinner outdoors with their friends and family while supporting local food truck venues. Address: 1901 Mulberry Street, Scranton, PA 18510
8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. – The Magic of Brent Kessler
Join your fellow Royals in The DeNaples Center’s Moskovitz Theater for The Magic of Brent Kessler. Brent's over-the-edge magic and stand-up comedy performances have garnered great reviews from thousands of people across the country. The show is an amazing hands-on production that is structured around audience interaction. Every part of the show engages the audience in some way or another.
9 p.m. Look at the Stars: The Astronomy Club’s Stargazing
Take a moment to sit back, relax and let the stress of the day melt away as you join The Astronomy Club for a stargazing session on the rooftop of the Loyola Science Center. The University of Scranton's Astronomy Club will host a special, family-oriented star gazing event. Join them at the LSC Observation Deck in LSC 212 to take a peek into the Heavens through some of their state-of-the art telescopes and also get a great view of the city of Scranton from the LSC rooftop. Space is limited; first come, first served.
Saturday, September 22
8:30 a.m. – Registration Opens at The DeNaples Center
Pick up your Family Welcome packet from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the first floor lobby of The DeNaples Center. To register in advance for a fee of $35 per family, visit this link.
8:30 a.m. – Bike Scranton
Bike Scranton is a cooperative program between The University of Scranton Office of Sustainability and the Lackawanna Valley Heritage Authority. All University of Scranton students and families may borrow a bicycle as long as they can provide a photo ID and are at least 16 years of age. Bikes will be available on The DeNaples Center patio, and tours are self-guided. The last bike check-out time will be at 1:30 p.m.
9 a.m. – Campus Tour
As you take a campus tour, not only will you visit our exceptional buildings, you'll also learn about the University's rich history and culture. The tour will begin in the second floor lobby of The DeNaples Center.
10 a.m. - Women’s Rugby B Side vs. Shippensburg University
Support Women’s Rugby as they take on Shippensburg University at Fitzpatrick Field.
10 a.m. Special Interest Session: STEAM Programming In Scranton
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Professor Nicholas P. Truncale, faculty specialist in the Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering, will demonstrate in Room 233 of the Loyola Science Center how STEAM is integrated into the first-year experience for physics and engineering majors at The University of Scranton along with how art can be integrated with engineering to create a unique learning experience.
10 a.m. Special Interest Session: Putting Yourself On The List
You care for everyone around you, but how often do you include yourself on that list? This session in Room 334 of the Loyola Science Center will provide you with the opportunity to take an inventory of your overall wellness and learn some hands-on activities to practice self-care. This session will be presented by Dr. Teresa M. Conte, Ph.D., CPNP, associate professor in the Department of Nursing.
10 a.m. – Siblings’ U
Home can feel quiet when your college student is not there, and Siblings’ U is an excellent opportunity for your children to reconnect and catch up. Our Resident Assistants have put together exciting activities appropriate for all ages.
11 a.m. – Women’s Rugby A Side vs. La Salle University
Support Women’s Rugby as they take on La Salle University at Fitzpatrick Field.
11 a.m. – Special Interest Session: At Ease: An Open Dialogue on Theology/Religious Studies in the Curriculum
This session in Room 212 of the Loyola Science Center will briefly address the role played by the general education curriculum at The University of Scranton with particular attention on the place of Theology/Religious Studies. After a brief introduction, Cyrus P. Olsen Ill, D.Phil. (Oxon.), will hold an open dialogue with all present to encourage families about a unique feature of Jesuit education today.
11 a.m. – Career Development and Your Student
Representatives from The Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development will discuss ways in which they help students focus on career decisions that are consistent with their unique talents, aspirations, and vision for living in Room 334 of the Loyola Science Center.
11 a.m. – Special Interest Session: Science Is Fun with Dr. Squared (MC2)
Come join the fun and laughter with science in Room 433 of the Loyola Sceince Center! You will see, hear, feel and perhaps even taste some fascinating science demonstrations. We will explore bubbles, entropy, density, magnetism, green chemistry, slime and even a diving catsup packet. These topics, along with a few corny jokes, will make you smile and want to learn more about science. Many of these demonstrations you can do at home to entertain your friends and family and become your own Dr. Squared.
11 a.m. – Scranton 201 Downtown Walking Tour
We introduced you to the City of Scranton at New Student Orientation. Now, Director of Community and Government Relations Julie Schumacher Cohen will lead you on a walking tour of the Electric City highlighting the various businesses and experiences available to your student. You will learn how the University and community partner with each other and also where to shop, eat and locate available discounts during Family Weekend. The tour will begin on the first floor atrium of the Loyola Science Center.
11 a.m. – RoyalFest
Stop by the Dionne Green to visit our downtown vendors, support student club fundraisers, have fun on bounce houses, get your face painted, cheer on our student performers and visit with other Scranton families.
11 a.m. - Campus Ministries Service Trip Fundraiser
Come to the first floor lobby of The DeNaples Center from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and/or from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 22, to participate in a basket raffle benefitting the University’s domestic and international service trips. Tickets are $1 each, or 25 for $20. The drawing will be held promptly at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Noon – Women’s Golf vs. Wilkes University
Support Women’s Golf as they take on Wilkes University at the Scranton Municipal Golf Course in Mount Cobb.
1 p.m. - Field Hockey vs. Catholic University
Support Field Hockey as they take on Catholic University at the Quinn Athletics Campus’ Weiss Field.
3 p.m. - Campus Tour
As you take a campus tour, not only will you visit our exceptional buildings, you'll also learn about the University's rich history and culture. The tour will begin in the second floor lobby of The DeNaples Center.
4 p.m. – Mass in Celebration of the Inauguration of Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
Join our community at mass as we celebrate the inauguration of Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., the 27th President of The University of Scranton. Families of all faith commitments are warmly welcome.
7:30 p.m. – Family Weekend President’s Concert in the Houlihan-McLean Center
Featuring The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir with special guest Dr. Wycliffe A. Gordon, H. '06, and other surprise guests. Wycliffe Gordon – the critically and popularly acclaimed and award-winning musician, composer, arranger, educator, leader and musical ambassador who is widely regarded as one of the greatest trombonists in history - performs with the University's student musicians in a concert celebrating the inauguration of the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., as the 27th President of The University of Scranton.
8:30 p.m. – USPB After Dark: Family Weekend Edition
Join The University of Scranton Programming Board (USPB) as they transform The DeNaples Center into a family entertainment complex! Featuring multiple attractions throughout the building, including a live, interactive game show, Scranton bingo, photo booths and more, this is an exciting family event that is not to be missed. Sponsored by the USPB.
Sunday, September 23
10 a.m. – Brunch on Your Own
The Fresh Food Company on the third floor of The DeNaples Center invites you to enjoy a traditional University of Scranton Sunday brunch. Fresh Food Company can be paid for onsite by using your student's swipe on their Royal ID card or by paying cash.
11 a.m. – Family Time at Chapman Lake
Take a scenic ride to Chapman Lake and tour the grounds where our students connect with their faith and our Jesuit mission when attending our many retreat offerings. Yard games will be available. Pre-order a boxed lunch and make it a picnic. The event is complimentary, but boxed lunches are $9. Address: 1226 Chapman Lake Road, Jermyn, PA. Directions are available on the Campus Ministries website. Please visit at your leisure, as transportation will not be provided.
11:30 a.m. – Everything You Ever Wanted To Ask A Jesuit
University Chaplain Rev. Rick Malloy, S.J., shares how The University of Scranton gets students thinking about their own spirituality and impact on the world. During this session at the Chapman Lake Retreat Center, Malloy will answer questions that you have always wanted to ask a Jesuit.
4 p.m. – Men’s Ice Hockey vs. East Stroudsburg University
Support Men’s Ice Hockey as they take on East Stroudsburg University at the Revolution Ice Center in Pittston.
For more information, visit scranton.edu/familyweekend. To download a copy of the schedule on the Guidebook app, visit this link.