After spending almost a year adjusting to Dartmouth and learning the ins and outs of life in Hanover, members of the Class of 2013 will have the opportunity to introduce their parents to the College at this year's First Year Family Weekend.
The basic schedule of events for the weekend which includes library tours, acapella shows, an ice cream social and presentations by acting Dean of the College Sylvia Spears and College President Jim Yong Kim will be similar to last year's program, although most events this year will be held in the Collis Center instead of spread across campus, according to weekend chair Lauren Vespoli '13.
"We've tried to make everything more centralized so it's easier for parents to find things," Vespoli said.
Members of the First Year Class Council and the Collis Center for Student Involvement office are responsible for organizing the weekend's activities. Vespoli and co-chair Gardner Davis '13 began brainstorming ideas for the weekend in the Winter, working closely with the rest of the 2013 Class Council under the leadership of Class Council President Suril Kantaria '13, Vespoli said.
"I think this weekend is important for '13s because they want to show their parents what they've been doing for the year they've been away and what their life is like at Dartmouth," Vespoli said. "It's reassuring for parents to know their kids are in a good place."
Events organized by the 2013 Class Council include a variety show, a trivia night and a bingo night, Vespoli said.
Families will arrive Friday and can check in at Collis throughout the weekend, where they will be given a registration packet and a schedule of events, Vespoli said. Families are expected to make their own lodging arrangements for the weekend, she said.
John Thompson '13 said his parents and older brother will be visiting during the weekend, adding that he is excited for his father and brother to see campus for the first time.
"I think this weekend is a great chance for everyone to meet everyone else's families and for the families to see what Dartmouth is all about," Thompson said.
Maura Farley '13 said she is excited to show her parents and little brother some of her favorite places on campus. Although her parents have visited Dartmouth a number of times to see her older sister, a senior, Farley said her parents love the College and are looking forward to the trip.
"I think it's good for parents to understand the world their kids live in to meet the people who are important in their lives and to see the places that are important to them," Farley said.
Farley is also planning to attend an a capella show with her family over the weekend, she said.
The Dartmouth Aires will host their 63rd Reunion Concert on Friday, and the Dartmouth Chords will host the annual Spring Sing show Saturday night, according to the posted schedule of events.
Spring Sing will feature the Chords as well as the Dodecaphonics and Sheba Dance Ensemble, according to Chords president Dan Eisenson '12. The date of the show was intended to coincide with First Year Family Weekend, he said.
"It's going to be a great opportunity for all of our '13's parents to hear them sing," Eisenson said. "It's going to be a great show and we have a lot of new songs we're excited about."
Vespoli added that she is excited to show her parents the work she has put into organizing the events for this weekend.
"They've seen a lot of Dartmouth over the years, but I'm excited for them to meet more of my friends and my friends' parents," Vespoli said.
