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Tradition Brings Families Back Together for Day of Fun, Food

Family Day at UT Dallas

UT Dallas student Matara Hitchcock (center) spent Family Day in 2014 with her father, Bret, mother, Velanie, sister, Taylen, and brother, Hayden.

UT Dallas students will be able to show off their campus, including the newly opened North Mall, during Family Day activities on Saturday.

Organizers are expecting a large crowd to see the changes on campus. About 1,000 family members have already registered.

Daniel Long, director of New Student Programs, said more student organizations have signed on to participate in this year’s Family Day.

“During the lunchtime tailgate, some Greek organizations will host family friendly games, like giant Jenga, while the UTD Power Dancers, NOVIS, the Filipino Student Association and others will perform,” he said.

Registration is $25, with students and children younger than 12 admitted free (students must still pay $5 for a T-shirt). Registration includes a Family Day T-shirt, lunch catered by Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse, crafts for children, a volunteer project and admission to afternoon soccer games between the UT Dallas Comets and Hardin-Simmons University.

Participants also will have the chance to compete against the UT Dallas Chess Team and enjoy live entertainment.

A welcome program in the lecture hall of the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building will feature greetings from Dr. Hobson Wildenthal, president ad interim, Dr. Amanda Smith, interim associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, Caitlynn Fortner, president of Student Government, and alumnus Brandon Worsham BS ’00, MS ’02.

New Student Programs staff will lead the Comet Crafts. While the children decorate piggy banks, a Financial Aid Office staff member will talk about the importance of saving up for college. The Office of Student Volunteerism has organized a “Scarves for the Homeless” program at which guests can help decorate fabric pieces that will be made into scarves. Guests may also bring gently used gloves, hats and scarves, which will be donated to a local nonprofit agency that serves the homeless.

But mostly, it’s a chance for families to see what life on campus is all about for their college students. 

Walk-in registration will be available on Family Day beginning at 9 a.m. in the lobby of the ATEC Building.

For more information about Family Day, call 972-883-6171.

Media Contact: The Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, [email protected].