 "Photo: Sarah Kinney")
After being away from home for close to two months, Simmons students were reunited with their families at the 2011 Family Weekend. Parents drove from around Massachusetts, flew from California, and flocked from everywhere in between to experience Simmons and its traditions for themselves.
Friday, parents could sit in on their student's classes and attend a hall tea. In the evening, the college had three different entertainment forums for parents and students to enjoy. They could watch the Student Performance Showcase, which included acts by the Sirens, the Concert Choir, the Dance Team, and the Gospel Choir.
At Quadside, board games, Wii games, and other activities were provided. If families were looking to get away from the college for a bit, they could get discounted tickets to Shear Madness at the Charles Playhouse, an interactive and comedic murder mystery show.
Saturday was the major day of activities for Simmons students' parents. There were speakers, presentations, and a multitude of sporting events.
The crew team had the alumni eight and collegiate four at the 47th Head of the Charles Regatta. The collegiate eight competed on Sunday. The field hockey team played Lasell at home and won 4-2. The volleyball team had a double header at Johnson and Wales winning the first game 3-2 and losing the second game 1-3.
In honor of the sporting events, Bartol Hall had a tailgate-styled lunch where Stormy the Shark made an appearance.
Students and their families could have their photo taken and printed on a ceramic tile as a souvenir of the weekend.
Sarah Neill, dean of Student Life, gave a speech on some Simmons activities and initiatives and welcomed parents to Simmons.
Presentations included a Yoga class led by LEAP at the Holmes Sport Center. Professor Rich Gurney taught a lecture on molecular movement called, "So You Think You Can Dance: Molecular Version." Josephine Fuller gave a tour of the nursing simulation lab where nursing students can practice their skills on robotic patients, which can give feedback on procedures.
Professor Stephen Berry led a tour of the Freedom Trail and talked about the oldest surviving aspects of colonial Boston and the local cemeteries.
Families could also take a Duck Tour for a discounted rate. Simmons' Organizacion Latino Americana hosted a Latin Night of the Arts and Celebration Dinner for Latino dinner and performances. Later, Quadside screened "Captain America: The First Avenger" for families.
Like Friday, Saturday had some off-campus activities planned. Tickets were available for the Boston Symphony Orchestra's All-Brahms Concert and the Simmons Club of Boston had live music and poetry at the Hard Rock Café by alumna Adina Nyree Mardenborough.
Sunday, President Drinan hosted a brunch in the Fens cafeteria for families and friends of the Simmons community.
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