Little siblings event reunites families, showcases campus
Little siblings weekend is an annual event put together by student services. This event gives little siblings the ability to spend time at their siblings college while enjoying university activities.
Doug Wagner, director of the Muenster University Center and student programming, has organized little siblings weekend for the last three years. Wagner said an average of 50 families participate every year.
“The purpose of the weekend is to give siblings a taste of what it’s like to be a college student for a weekend,” he said. “We want students to show their siblings what they are up to once they have left home.”
The event began Friday night when siblings had the opportunity to tie-dye shirts in the MUC. The families were also able to attend the basketball game on Saturday for free.
“We do also allow some free time so students can show off Vermillion and the rest of campus.” Wagner said.
Junior musical arts major, Katie Zimmerman’s two younger sisters, Jenna and Emily Zimmerman, have come to little siblings weekend for the last two years.
Jenna, 12, said she liked tie-dying, but misses the laser tag they had last year.
“We did the tie dye this year which they really liked,” Katie said. “(They) don’t come up that often, just for concerts so it’s fun (that they are here).”
Nicholas McCoy, a business administration and vocal performance double major, said he wanted his younger brother, D’Angelo, to have an experience he didn’t have before choosing a college.
“I thought it would be cool to have him experience (a college campus),” Nicholas said. “I am the oldest, so I never got to do anything like this. I just thought it would be cool if he got to experience it.”
The McCoy brothers said they haven’t missed each other since Nicholas left for college, but they are enjoying the weekend together so far.
“No (it hasn’t been weird since he left),” D’Angelo said. “It’s quieter for the both of us, so it’s different.”
Wagner said little siblings weekend allows families to be together, while also recruiting future Coyotes.
“The event is beneficial because we are making USD seem more like home for our students, while simultaneously potentially recruiting other students to come here when they get older,” Wagner said.
