Undoubtedly, it’s never an easy task for families to send a loved college student back to campus after a nice, long break like summer vacation.
That’s why Central Methodist University’s Family Day is held – to welcome parents, siblings, other family members, and friends to CMU’s main campus in Fayette. It’s a chance to reunite with loved ones, and see what their college experience is all about.
This year’s Family Day will be on Saturday, Sept. 30. The annual event takes place each fall, and encourages families to visit CMU for a weekend of activities and entertainment. It’s a way to get to know CMU faculty, staff, and the ins and outs of campus, according to Ken Oliver, vice president for Institutional Growth and Student Engagement.
“Family Day is a day we all look forward to each year,” he said. “Having the time to reconnect with members of the Eagle family is truly a special occasion. It’s like one big family reunion.”
Events for Friday include a women’s soccer scrimmage on Davis Field at 6:30 p.m., and CMU Volleyball vs. Grand View game at 7 p.m. in Puckett Field House.
Saturday will be full of activities starting at 9 a.m. This is the time the registration table opens outside of the Student Center, where attendees can pick up gift, game-day, and meal passes. Both the bookstore and tailgate area (tailgate tent at Davis Field) open at 9 a.m., as well.
All day, golf at the Fayette Golf Club (Hwy 4 & 240) is free for CMU families and students. At 10 a.m., the CMU Marching Eagles and Spirit Squad will kick off a pep rally in the tailgate area near Davis Field. Both the Volleyball vs. William Penn game (held in Puckett Field House) and Football vs. Benedictine games begin at 11 a.m.
Brunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Bergsten Dining Hall, and payment can be made at the door.
A walking tour of historic Fayette begins at 2:30 p.m., and those who would like to attend should plan to meet on Inman Plaza. The Stephens Museum in T. Berry Smith Hall will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., both the Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art, and the Morrison Observatory (with sun scope and hands-on physics activities) will be open – both with free shuttles available.
An academic fair will be open near T. Berry Smith Hall from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Volleyball vs. Stephens College will be in Puckett Field house at 3 p.m., and a photo booth with Eddie Eagle will be from 3 to 4 p.m. on Inman Plaza.
Sigma Alpha Iota will step sing on the steps of the Swinney Conservatory of Music at 5 p.m., which is also when the Men’s Soccer game vs. Grand View begins on Davis Field. Women’s and Men’s Basketball scrimmages will be going on at Puckett Field House at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., and the night wraps up with Women’s Soccer vs. Grand View on Davis Field at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday features worship featuring the CMU Chorale at 10:30 a.m. in Linn Memorial United Methodist Church, several athletic scrimmages throughout the day, and brunch in Bergsten Dining Hall from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A full list of events are at https://www.centralmethodist.edu/admissions/parents/family-day.php. Those who wish to participate can also register here. For additional information, contact Joy Flanders at 660-248-6223 or by email.