It appears that the arrival of sophomore parents and siblings this weekend will not diminish the amount of drinking that takes place on a typical weekend, as many Greek organizations have planned parent-child pong tournaments and afternoon cocktail parties. While fraternities and sororities plan on including parents in their nighttime festivities, the college has also prepared various activities for Sophomore Family Weekend.
A planning committee was established last winter, and co-chairs Christine Reinhold '06 and Katharine Lawson '06 immediately began contacting various speakers and performance groups in hopes of creating a unique schedule rather than simply replicating past years.
One new event involves a student showcase, which will feature student performances by Summerphonics, SHEBAlite and the Brass Society.
Despite a decreased number of students on campus, Lawson said there was a lot of interest in participating.
"There are so many different groups during the academic year who perform, but those numbers vastly decrease during summer term," she said. "So students decided to combine their talent into one production rather than having many smaller shows."
The main attraction will be the performance of hypnotist Dan LaRosa, which will be held on Saturday evening. LaRosa, who previously came to Dartmouth during '06 freshman orientation, performs comedy hypnosis shows across the country and utilizes a special technique to hypnotize volunteers in three seconds.
"We wanted to have at least one event that was connected to our specific class," Lawson said. "Since LaRosa has performed for our class already, we felt as though that connection was made and students would enjoy having him back," she said.
Professors will lead lectures and discussions for students and their families to attend throughout the weekend.
Presidential scholars and government professors Frank Reagon and Linda Fowler will deliver a joint presentation Friday afternoon pertaining to foreign affairs and their implementation by Congress.
"The faculty members were chosen through student preference," Reinhold said. "We compiled a list of professors the students are interested in hearing from. Then the professors chose the discussion topics according to their expertise."
The panel discussion among students, parents and senior administrators, which is hosted by the Dartmouth Parents and Grandparents fund, is an event that has been carried over from past years based upon its popularity. Dean of the College James Larimore, Dean of the Faculty Carol Folt and Vice President of Finance and Administration Adam Keller will be leading the panel.
Traditionally, attendance at these events has been fairly weather-dependent. Lawson noted that the presence of rain dramatically increases participation in the discussion sessions.
In fair weather, most families are seen picnicking on the green or canoeing in the river.
Ledyard Canoe Club will provide a special Pancake Paddle for sophomores and their families, sibling crafts will be held on the Green, and fraternities and sororities will hold barbecues.
In addition to the events organized by Reinhold and Lawson, many departments have planned their own traditional events for the weekend. Cross Country coach Barry Harwick '77 will hold a running clinic, followed by a trail run led by Dartmouth runners. The Office of Residential Life will host a Summer Festival, providing free music and ice cream on the green, and the Hood Museum will be giving tours.
"All of these events are provided as options," Reinhold said. "We want parents to feel a part of the Dartmouth campus as well as see what our class has achieved thus far."
