Students celebrate the Oxford experience at 2022 Family Weekend
Family Weekend offered a variety of engaging programs for students and their loved ones, who together sampled everyday life at Oxford College.
For one special weekend, family and friends of students came together to sample life at Oxford—both in and out of the classroom.
"The 2022 Oxford annual Family Weekend was the best ever—an interesting schedule of well-attended programs, entertainment options, a tasty picnic on the quad, and a beautiful fall day," said Joe Moon, Dean of Campus Life.
Family Weekend festivities kicked off with a Parent Reception on Friday night.
Alex Minovici
Families were welcomed to campus with a reception at the Dean's Residence on Friday evening. On Saturday, they got a taste of college life by attending a choice of sample classes that ranged from linguistics to poetry to a unique philosophy course where students visit a state prison as part of studying mass incarceration. There was also a course on what community looks like at Oxford.
A highlight of the day was the annual Picnic on the Quad, where faculty and staff joined students and families for boxed lunches and a performance by Oxapella. After lunch, Interim Dean Ken Carter shared his vision and priorities for Oxford's future.
The afternoon lineup included discussions around the college's core principles, student mental health, and career readiness.
"It was lovely getting to meet and share Oxford with our students' families and supporters at Family Weekend," said Stephanie Maddox, Assistant Director for Continuing Student Experience. "This year, our focus was on programs that highlighted the student experience at Oxford College."
Students and their families attended the Oxford College Organic Farm Festival as part of Family Weekend 2022.
Alex Minovici
After a day of activities, parents and students were ready to explore the campus and city. Many attended the Organic Farm's festival, where they learned about its sustainability initiatives and could purchase native plants. Others took campus tours with student ambassadors, explored the library's special collections, rode bikes around the historic city of Oxford, or attended the fall play. She…Party of One was written by faculty member Nikki Toombs and is the latest entry in OxTheatre's "The She Series", which celebrates female-identifying playwrights and directors. The weekend also featured men's and women's soccer games, as well as opportunities to learn about religious and spiritual life at Oxford.
On Saturday at twilight, Weekend participants gathered at the amphitheater for the Student Showcase, an annual event hosted by the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership. Enjoying their hot chocolate and snacks, the crowd cheered on performances from student organizations—including the Asian Fusion Dance Team, Jazz Club, Traditional Chinese Music Club, and many others—as the sun sank below Oxford's historic grounds.