Family weekend was kicked off on Friday with guest speaker Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, who made an appearance in McCrary Theatre as the first of the weekend’s special events scheduled for grandparents.

The Elon Grandparent Leadership Society’s charter members were recognized at the event and Aldrin was welcomed by President Emeritus Dr. J. Earl Danieley, who spoke of the joys of being a grandparent.

Assistant Dean of Students Scott Nelson said the weekend marked a skyrocket in family attendance, with 897 families registered in advance and many more registering on the spot. In total, 1,054 families attended, an increase from last year’s approximate 900 families.

With families coming from all over the country, Nelson said a number of them came from the northeast and were mostly visiting freshmen or sophomore students.

Jamie Copeland traveled from New York with his wife and daughters to visit his freshman daughter, Beatrice.

“We like to travel together,” he said. “We wanted to make sure she’s okay; see how she was liking the school.”

Margaret, Beatrice’s sister, traveled from Texas to spend the weekend at Elon with her family.

However, Nelson said many families did not register.

Carolyn Vavreck and her sophomore daughter, Sarah, chose to create their own family weekend agenda.

“We went to Collage, and we went to hear Rip_Chord and we went back to the dorm and played some games with the people there,” Vavreck said.

While she said she didn’t have a reason to not attend more school-sponsored events, she said she will “absolutely” make the 8-hour road trip from Pennsylvania again next year.

While Nelson said families who create their own agendas are totally fine, he also said some changes are being made to the traditional weekend to encompass the entire family on campus.

The Office of Institutional Advancement headed a new Elon tradition to incorporate multiple generations in its activities. As a result, 151 grandparents registered to attend family weekend.

The weekend was also marked by Saturday’s game against Appalachian State University, which was the first sold-out game Rhodes Stadium has seen since opening in 2001.

Nelson said many families preordered their tickets. They vanished soon after on game day and 13,100 fans filled the stands. Some students and their families purchased lawn seats and gathered behind the goal posts on either end of the stadium.

Copeland called the weekend “a reunion of sorts” and made it a very productive one with his family.

“We went to the football game, met with the teachers, ate some good food under the trees by the pond, my wife heard the president speak, we heard an a cappella group, got some T-shirts. [“Lots of T-shirts,” sister Eugenia Copeland added.] And I got a tattoo!” he said, laughing that it was a temporary tattoo from one of the tailgating booths.

“We watched a movie and [now] we’re going to church,” he said, referring to the university worship service on Sunday with Chaplain Richard McBride.

The Copeland family said that they would like to come back again next year.

“I would like to see Elon play West Point,” Copeland said.

Eugenia added, “[And] see Elon win.”

Nelson agreed, saying a smaller team would be nice, but that the day still had its advantages.

“It was great because the parents got to see the first sell out,” said Nelson.

Other campus organizations, such as Greek Life and the Leadership Program, hosted activities on Saturday. Families could also tour the law school.

The “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” dinner held Saturday night drew 200 more people than last year, with 750 guests, prompting thoughts of different planning for next year.

Events such as concerts, religious services, a golf tournament, a picnic, mini classes and coffee at President Leo Lambert’s home were also offered.

However students like sophomore Katie Hlavinka chose to get away for the weekend. Instead, Hlavinka went to a game at Virginia Tech. Her parents decided to visit during a quieter weekend later this semester when they felt they would be able to see Elon as it is any normal day, she said.

Remembering the beautiful weather on Saturday during the picnic by Lake Mary Nell, watching so many people have fun sitting along the tables and on blankets by the lake, Nelson expressed his gratitude to the planners, and the families

“There are a lot of people that go into planning this event. It really takes the entire campus and I’m so grateful [to all of them],” Nelson said. “This is what a college should be [like during] a Saturday football game. This is a nice scene.”

Assistant Photo Editor: Ashley Barnas - 10/03/07