The family members of many Duke students flocked to campus this weekend for the annual Parents’ and Family Weekend. The University sponsored several days of performances, sporting events and academic programs, not to mention a meal or two. The Chronicle’s Marianna Jordan spoke with Duke students and their families about time they spent together.
“My mom and I went to the library both days of Parents’ Weekend. She had work to do and so did I. I don’t really know why she came, though it was nice to see her for a bit.”
—sophomore Hilary Novatt
“It was nice to mooch off my parents for a bit and get some non-Marketplace food.... We went out to dinner, breakfast and lunch. I showed them around, which was cool, too. We didn’t really do any of the events that we planned, but it was nice to see them, obviously. I would guess that my mom would want to come again next year. They also dragged me out of bed for 10 a.m. mass, so that was a blast.”
—freshman James Fitzgerald
“My parents didn’t come this year because I went home for Fall break, which I didn’t do freshman year.... Because I’ll be home in three weeks for Thanksgiving anyways, I didn’t really think it was necessary for them to come, although I would have loved to see them. My parents have moved me in and know the environment that I’m living in and that I’m more secure now with academics and friendships this year… so there was less incentive for them to come.”
—sophomore Emily Davis
“Our son... missed the dog, so we brought the dog as well. But he has to show us where he works, where he eats, where he plays…. We get to see what his life is like here because we only get to come to Duke once or twice a year. Move-in day wasn’t the day to do it.”
—Betty and Vincent Lauria, parents of sophomore James Lauria
“It was really nice to have my parents come this weekend. It was different and probably more enjoyable than freshman year since I know what’s going on and I am more comfortable showing them around.... Last night we went to the basketball game, and we also went to the bagel brunch at the Freeman Center—they were both really fun!”
— sophomore Caroline Marschilok
“My parents were only here for a day.... We went to a brunch sponsored by Duke, which was the only activity that we did specifically for Parents’ Weekend. I’m from Charlotte, North Carolina, so it’s not that big of a deal for me because I can see them whenever I want. It’s always good to see them though.”
— freshman John Bowman
“I kind of wanted my grandparents to come this year because last year everyone else was with their families, and I felt left out. I wanted someone to visit me and my grandparents live a lot closer than my parents do so it made sense. It’s nice to have a feeling of being connected to your family while you’re still at school.”
—sophomore Daniella Cordero
“My family is from Singapore, and my dad came here this weekend for work, so we didn’t actually do any of the Parents’ Weekend activities. I just spent as much time with him as possible, and it was nice to see him.”
—freshman Vaishnavi Krishnan
“My parents and my brother came.... It was great to eat off campus, go shopping and just hang out with them. I doubt that they’ll come next year, but I think freshman year it’s worth it, so I can show them around and show them what I’ve been doing.”
—freshman Rebecca Cray
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.