Record number of family members attend annual events
A record number of parents and relatives converged on Columbia this weekend for USC’s annual Parents’ Weekend. The more than 10,000 family members attended social events, mingled with university administrators and sat in on classes.
The weekend’s first major event was a President’s Reception from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, hosted by university President Pastides at his home on the Horseshoe. Parents and students also attended a Beach Bash from 8-11 p.m. at the Strom Thurmond Fitness and Wellness Center.
“We went to the Beach Bash, which was actually a lot of fun watching everybody dance,” Ashley Zeger, a parent from Tampa, Fla., said.
On Saturday, the university held a Parents’ Tailgate in Gamecock Park from 5-7 p.m. before the football game against Kentucky.
“[The Parent’s Tailgate was] fun just because you get to meet so many people,” said Sharon Boucher, who came from Calabasas, Calif. “You greet them and tell they’re freshman parents from their faces, they’re so happy. They’re so happy and proud to be here.”
Parents’ Weekend is a special event for many of the relatives who attended because it helps them see what their child is experiencing while at USC.
“It gives the parents an opportunity to experience what our kids go to everyday and gives us a snapshot of the world our kids live in now,” Zeger said.
Many parents were given campus tours by their children while in Columbia this past weekend, giving them a sense of their kids’ daily lives.
“The student can show their parent around to see where they’re going to classes, what they’re doing, who their friends are,” said Sherry Clayton, a parent from Lake Wylie, S.C.
Many parents said the event is especially important for first year students.
“I think it’s a way, especially for the younger kids — they’ve been away from their parents for a little while — to reconnect with them and show them what’s going on,” Boucher said.
Some parents use the weekend to check in on their children, who may be away from home for the first time.
“It lets us see how our kids fit in and how they’re adjusting, especially freshmen,” Evans, Ga. parent Jon Forry said.
Many of the Parents’ Weekend attendees were impressed by the level of organization they saw on the university’s end during the weekend.
“It’s very well-organized, just like every other event at USC,” said Belinda Forry, also of Evans, Ga. “There was a lot of literature and information that came out to inform people.
Despite the many events and successes, some parents still encountered minor difficulties. Many parents had trouble with traffic and parking, locating the Parents’ Tailgate and not being able to spend time with their student because professors had scheduled Thursday and Friday exams.
“Then the kids have to choose between spending time with their family and meeting an obligation,” Zeger said.
Although some parents may have seen small flaws during parts of the weekend, the weekend in its entirety left most parents feeling appreciative of the university.
“We are very, very thankful our son is here,” Boucher said. “This is a phenomenal university.”