Weekend focuses on family atmosphere

The Student Services office is inviting families to the campus of The University of South Dakota for Family Weekend beginning Friday. This year, family members will be able to go to one of five home athletic events, see a magician, explore Vermillion and participate in a 5K.

“The whole point is so families see what students are up to at USD,” said Lindsay Sparks, assistant director of student life.

Parents are encouraged to register in advance with Student Services, but Sparks said they will welcome all family members.

Family members will receive buttons that will get them discounts at Vermillion-area restaurants and businesses.

Steve Howe, executive director of the Vermilion Area Chamber and Development Company, said he hopes to see family members exploring different areas of Vermillion.

Howe recommends families to tour the National Music Museum, W. H. Over Museum and Spirit Mound. He said the downtown district is also great place to shop with families.

“The downtown district is really starting to grow with all the different shops,” said Howe. “We have a really vibrant downtown.”

He said families should also take a “dining journey” through Vermillion to explore the restaurants in town.

Family members will also receive access to the Wellness Center for the weekend.

Friday

Family members are instructed to check in at the Muenster University Center information desk. Check-in will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The National Music Museum will host a Brown Bag Lunch Program featuring a folk group from Boston at noon.

The Campus Activities Board is sponsoring magician James David to perform a magic show at 8

p.m. in the MUC. Sparks said CAB brought in a magician to create a family-friendly atmosphere.

The rest of the evening can be spent at the MUC to play BINGO where students and family members can win gift certificates to Vermillion businesses. The MUC will also have inflatables, games and giveaways until 2 a.m.

Saturday

USD will sponsor a brunch Saturday at 9 a.m. in the MUC. Students and family will receive a free breakfast. Sparks said the brunch is a great way for parents to try some of the dining options their students have.

Families will have access to free tailgating before Saturday’s football game against Youngstown State University. To reserve a tailgating spot, students need to contact Sparks by 5 p.m. Thursday.

Old Lumber Company will host an after game celebration.

Sunday

Sunday morning will begin with the Mortar Board Trick-or-Trot 5K to support reading at 10 a.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., the fee is $10 or a donation of five books.

Sporting Events

USD will host five home games over the weekend:

USD soccer vs. Western Illinois University, Friday at 3 p.m.

USD volleyball vs. South Dakota State University, Friday at 7 p.m.

USD football vs. Youngstown State University, Saturday at 1 p.m.

USD Soccer vs. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis – Sunday at noon.

USD volleyball vs. North Dakota State University, Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Student Services office is inviting families to the campus of The University of South Dakota for Family Weekend beginning Friday. This year, family members will be able to go to one of five home athletic events, see a magician, explore Vermillion and participate in a 5K.

“The whole point is so families see what students are up to at USD,” said Lindsay Sparks, assistant director of student life.

Parents are encouraged to register in advance with Student Services, but Sparks said they will welcome all family members.

Family members will receive buttons that will get them discounts at Vermillion-area restaurants and businesses.

Steve Howe, executive director of the Vermilion Area Chamber and Development Company, said he hopes to see family members exploring different areas of Vermillion.

Howe recommends families to tour the National Music Museum, W. H. Over Museum and Spirit Mound. He said the downtown district is also great place to shop with families.

“The downtown district is really starting to grow with all the different shops,” said Howe. “We have a really vibrant downtown.”

He said families should also take a “dining journey” through Vermillion to explore the restaurants in town.

Family members will also receive access to the Wellness Center for the weekend.

Friday

Family members are instructed to check in at the Muenster University Center information desk. Check-in will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The National Music Museum will host a Brown Bag Lunch Program featuring a folk group from Boston at noon.

The Campus Activities Board is sponsoring magician James David to perform a magic show at 8

p.m. in the MUC. Sparks said CAB brought in a magician to create a family-friendly atmosphere.

The rest of the evening can be spent at the MUC to play BINGO where students and family members can win gift certificates to Vermillion businesses. The MUC will also have inflatables, games and giveaways until 2 a.m.

Saturday

USD will sponsor a brunch Saturday at 9 a.m. in the MUC. Students and family will receive a free breakfast. Sparks said the brunch is a great way for parents to try some of the dining options their students have.

Families will have access to free tailgating before Saturday’s football game against Youngstown State University. To reserve a tailgating spot, students need to contact Sparks by 5 p.m. Thursday.

Old Lumber Company will host an after game celebration.

Sunday

Sunday morning will begin with the Mortar Board Trick-or-Trot 5K to support reading at 10 a.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., the fee is $10 or a donation of five books.

Sporting Events

USD will host five home games over the weekend:

USD soccer vs. Western Illinois University, Friday at 3 p.m.

USD volleyball vs. South Dakota State University, Friday at 7 p.m.

USD football vs. Youngstown State University, Saturday at 1 p.m.

USD Soccer vs. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis – Sunday at noon.

USD volleyball vs. North Dakota State University, Sunday at 2 p.m.