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   Family Appreciation brought over 840 participants on campus for the day’s activities.

   Julie Gentry, director of Intramurals and Recreation, works with Family Appreciation every year and said the participants increased from last year. Last year 700 family members participated in the activities. According to Gentry, the numbers increased due to a spike in enrollment and family participation.

   The registrar sends families invitations according to their permanent home address, which they have on file for the students.

   Gentry said traditionally family members of football players, choir members and band members comprise most of the participants. This year parents came from as far away as California and Florida.

   Gentry said, “We used to have football players bring buses of family members.”

   There are a lot of non-traditional students who bring their family members to see what they do on campus.

   “Kids like to see what mommy or daddy does when they go to college,” Gentry said. "This day gives them the chance to participate and understand what they do at school."

   Families participate in many activities throughout the day including a softball scrimmage, activities in the Gibson University Center, tailgating and the football game. The activities in the Gibson University Center included photo buttons, hypnotist Michael C. Anthony, a performance by the Chamber Choir and an identification center. Departments on campus also set up in the Gibson University Center for families and students to see their professors.

Photo by Orkhan Rzayev

Something to Cheer About — Brittany Mathews walks around Weevil Pond and through tailgating festivities during Family Appreciation Day.

   The Wellness Committee provided identification kits, which included taking fingerprints, height and weight. It also provided instruction for a DNA sample for parents to have on their children.

   The University of Arkansas at Monticello Bookstore had a  20 percent discount for shoppers. The bookstore’s busiest day of the year usually occurs on Family Appreciation day. During the tailgating, the UAM Marching Band performed for family members, and Aramark served dinner to the families.

   The Family Appreciation Committee plans the event for the day and also selects the Family of the Year. Students turn in an essay on why their family should win the honor of Family of the Year.

   According to Gentry, the committee received only five to six nominations. This year, the Harper family won the honor of Family of the Year. Chancellor Jack Lassiter honored Jimmy, Alex and Cindy.

   This day could not be pulled off by one person; it required the work of the whole campus. Student organizations helped families find buildings and registration.  They volunteered for the hypnotist and participated in the activities. Resident Assistants helped all day in serving drinks at the softball game and helping Aramark serve dinner at tailgating.

   The Parent Appreciation Committee encourages everyone on campus to be involved that day. Families appreciate what UAM does for them during this event.

   The day ended up very well with a win for the Weevils against Ouachita Baptist University. Students and guests filled the stands and guests even overflowed to the visitor bleachers.

   “Parent, Family Appreciation day is a tradition going strong on campus,” Gentry said.

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