This year’s Family Weekend was similar to others I have attended (as an employee of Holy Cross). The campus was beautifully manicured, accented by rows of multicolored mums and resplendent fall foliage. Signs enthusiastically welcomed visitors. The weekend schedule was replete with activities: a road race, receptions, breakfasts, musical performances, art displays, tailgating and football. But there was also something significantly different this year — my perspective.
This year, it was personal. In the past I attended Family Weekend in a professional capacity, but this year I had the opportunity to attend as an active participant and join my son, who is a first-year student, and experience the College through his eyes.
My husband and I arrived on campus just as the 15-40 Connection road race was ending. Fatigued runners ran past us. Navigating the campus on a daily basis, I was already familiar with its steep inclines, so there was no way this event was on our bucket list.
We opted instead to head downhill to Kimball Hall to grab breakfast with our son and his friend and family. It was the first time I was able to truly appreciate the beauty of this dining hall. No need to beat the lunch crowd. No glances at my watch. No meeting to rush to. No cell phone buzzing to indicate I had mail. Instead, we enjoyed a distraction-free meal getting to know our son’s friend and his family. I left wondering how many life-long friendships have been forged over the decades in this hall over a meal?
It was then onto the Hogan Courtyard, the hub for a variety of activities. Young and old enjoyed games, face painting, caricature drawings, photo opportunities as well as music and food. A group of future Crusaders donned costumes for some trick-or-treating at Healy Hall and the sense of community was palpable.
We finally made it down to Fitton Field, for the highlight of my husband’s day: football. By the time we arrived at the gate, it was halftime and the home team was up and would eventually claim a 47-0 victory over Layette. Purple pride fueled the crowd, especially the multigenerational Crusader families in attendance.
At the end of the day, when we left our son at the entrance to Mulledy Hall, it occurred to me that he has embarked on a tremendous journey in a wonderful place (and that I look forward to living vicariously through him.)
View photos from the weekend »
Amy Kotsopoulos P19 is associate director of Advancement Communications.
Photo Gallery: Holy Cross Greets Parents During Family Weekend
Parent reflects on the festive annual tradition (think food, football and fun)
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