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Family Weekend tradition lives on

From Nov. 3 through Nov. 5, parents, siblings, and other loved ones joined Rollins students on campus for Rollins’ annual family weekend.

Throughout the weekend, students and their families were treated to a variety of events that showcased all aspects of student life here at Rollins. The weekend was coordinated and hosted by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Beginning that Friday morning, families checked in for the weekend and received all the necessary materials for the weekend, including a complementary and fashionable baby blue drawstring bag to transport all the important documents and freebies that would be distributed.

Families who wanted firsthand involvement in their student’s education were allowed to make appointments with faculty advisors or Rollins staff members. At these meetings, families gained new insight into the education and registration processes at Rollins—insights which would be important with spring semester registration just around the corner.

In the late morning, families were invited to a special tour of Rollins’ very own Cornell Fine Arts Museum. Families marveled at the museum’s current exhibition, “Time as a Landscape: Inquiries of Art and Science.”

Families learned about the specifics behind many of the pieces in a special docent-led tour of the exhibition. The docent explained that the exhibit questions and explores the concept of time. Families participated in an exclusive creative process that involved making their own cyanotype prints.

After the tour, families were welcomed to a special Rollins Improv Players show based on family weekend, “Cut to: Beginnings.” In the “Cut to” format, the Players and director, Dr. David Charles of the Theatre and Dance Department, used the language of film to explore the concept of beginnings in a purely improvised performance using story suggestions from attending families.

Around the same time, families also attended a conversation on Rollins’ history in the Galloway room of Mills. The conversation was led by emeritus Professor Jack Lane formerly from the History Department, who recently published his book on Rollins history, Rollins College Centennial History: A Story of Perseverance. His book begins with Rollins’ founding in 1885 and meanders through the twentieth century up to 1985. His informational presentation highlighted some of the most noteable points in Rollins’ history.

Throughout the afternoon, various offices across the Rollins campus hosted open houses where families could learn more about student life at Rollins.

Some of the open houses were hosted by Crummer, Accessibility Services, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Lucy Cross Center for Women and their Allies. The Center for Career & Life Planning then held an open workshop for families on increasing the career marketability of their student.

That evening, there was an “R” Community Street Fair on Bush lawn, where offices around campus offered a variety of activities and information for visiting families.

At the fair, there were sports-based bounce houses, free reusable water bottles, and an elegant array of dishes served by Dining Services.

Later, the women’s basketball team held an exhibition game against Rhodes, where the Tars beat the visiting Lynxes 96 to 42.

Elsewhere, Rollins’ Hillel hosted a traditional Shabbat dinner where all were welcome to eat and share in the tradition.

In addition, the Rollins Debate team hosted a “Great Debate,” where families could see the National Champions exhibit their political and argumentative prowess.

On Saturday, EcoRollins hosted the third annual family clean up of Lake Virginia’s shores, where families worked with the grounds team to remove several pounds of ecosystem-destroying litter and one full-size car tire from the shore.

This was in an effort to decrease the impact of the campus on the immediate environment while increasing the beauty of the lake. In addition to the joys of volunteer work, students and families experienced the serenity of Lake Virginia in the morning light.

That afternoon, families were welcomed to a picnic on Mills Lawn. At the picnic, the Rollins Jazz Ensemble treated families to some light, yet engaging tunes. Grant and Peg Cornwell also treated the whole campus to a view of their new puppy.

Later on Saturday, there was a ‘Parent to Parent Q&A,’ where experienced Rollins parents helped new ones navigate the world of having a college student.

The men and women’s swim teams held a respectable yet losing performance against no. 3 Nova Southeastern. On top of that, the lacrosse team held an exhibitionary game where current players battled against alumni.

That night, several opportunities for entertainment were provided by the campus. Rollins Entertainment Programs hosted a free screening of Spider-Man: Homecoming, while families were also welcome to a special Family Weekend edition of Trivia Night in Dave’s Boathouse.

Sunday morning, Rollins’ Dean of Religious Life Rev. Katrina Jenkins led a special Founder’s Day service at the First Congregational Church of Winter Park. Families were welcome to come together to celebrate the historical roots of Rollins College and partake in light refreshments.

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