From ice cream trucks and yard games to throwback crafts and a popular photo booth, families found plenty of ways to join in the fun. Quinnipiac’s spirit groups, including Cheerleading, the IceCats, Dance Team and Kickline Team, energized the crowd with performances throughout the afternoon, while guests received Bobcat-themed souvenirs and entered a raffle to win a variety of prizes.

For Barrie and Joern Schmey, of New Jersey, the social was an opportunity to spend time with both of their children, Kristen, a first-year student studying neurobehavioral science, and Karsten, a sophomore studying biomedical health sciences.

The Schmeys had already stopped by the bookstore to pick up Bobcat gear and were looking forward to making more family memories on campus, including attending their first Quinnipiac hockey game together during Bobcat Weekend.

“It’s not like they were pining to see Mom and Dad, but it’s a parents’ weekend, so we figured we’d crash the party,” Joern joked.

For Jennifer and Pat Vitale, of Long Island, the social offered a chance to get to know their daughter Ava’s college experience firsthand as a first-year physical therapy major. Her parents had visited during the college search and helped her move in, but Friday marked their first visit since she began classes.

“It’s a beautiful campus, and we love visiting,” Pat said. “We’re looking forward to spending the weekend with her and watching her perform with the Kickline team.”

Jennifer said they were most excited to meet the people and experience the places that have become part of Ava’s new routine.

“We want to see what her world is like and get a glimpse into her life on campus,” Jennifer said. “She’s only been here for about six weeks, so it’s all still very new for us. But we can’t wait to go to the hockey game together!”

Nearby, first-year finance major Hailey Maynard of Bristol, Connecticut, was decorating a canvas bag with her mother, Adreana, and her aunt, Indigo Dupre. Hailey said she has adjusted well to college and is enjoying her professors and classes.

When asked what they were looking forward to most during the weekend, the family didn’t hesitate when they agreed: Saturday’s Movie Night Under the Giant, where they planned to watch Hocus Pocus together. The movie has become an annual fall tradition for them; one they are excited to share with their new Bobcat community.

“Honestly, we’re having a harder time adjusting than she is,” laughed Adreana. “We’re very proud of her. Being here this weekend helps to put our mind at ease, even though she’s close by to home, we still miss her. But she’s flourishing at Quinnipiac, and that couldn’t make us happier.”