Family Weekend festivities begin on Sept. 21.

Campus Life has decided on an international theme for Family Weekend. Matching the rapidly growing International Program, this year's Family Weekend will offer students and their families a more worldwide perspective Friday thru Sunday.

"This weekend will have several different activities that students can enjoy doing with their families," said Tyler Rosemann,* one of the co-coordinators of special events for the Student Activities Council. "There will be some musicians and there will also be a home football game for students to bring their families to. It is a great way for not only students, but their families as well to get involved with things on campus. Also, it is a great excuse for parents to come visit their kids."

Campus Life leaders* new that going straight to the source was their best option decided on an international theme. After contacting the assistant director of International Programming Suzanne McKinney, the two teams worked together to decide on different details that would go into making the weekend one of a kind.

"We are programming the event," McKinney said. "The tables, activities and demonstrations are things we are responsible for. We are trying to get as many of the countries that are represented on the campus as involved as possible."

During the family festivities portion on Saturday, some of the different tables and activities that will be set up and offered are henna tattoos, calligraphy artistry and informational tri-fold boards explaining more about the country represented at particular tables.

"It's a great way to experience a world outside of your own while still in the safe haven of Cape Girardeau," McKinney said.

McKinney is excited to see a positive outcome from the weekend by exemplifying the talents and cultures that the international students have to offer.

"I think it's a great opportunity for us to showcase the talents of so many students, and for the entire university to see things from this point of view," McKinney said. "It's awesome to be in the spotlight, and I think that a lot of good things can come out of it."

Family Weekend will offer a brief glimpse of the new and creative talents emerging on campus, while providing an opportunity to spend time with one's family.

Along with the family festivities, events such as the Charles Hutson Horticulture Greenhouse Open House will happen from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and the "Meeting the President" breakfast with President Dr. Kenneth W. Dobbins will be happen at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

"It is a really great time," Rosemann said. "My parents came last year and they are coming again this year. It is just nice to be able to see our families and have some fun on the same day."

Visit southeastArrow.com for a list of Family Weekend events.