UNOTES Daily - Your Source for Campus News and Information

A Successful Fall Weekend, Despite the Rain

Posted 10/5/2009

Kristine and Matt Murello, both members of the Class of '93, enjoy a cotton candy break with their children, Olivia and Nicholas.

Jewelry artist Kelly Mann '88 displays her work at the Alumni Artisan Marketplace.

Musician Richard Lee '80 performs in the Bookstore.

Noel Roman '97 and his nephew, Nicholas, at the Hawk's Nest.

Kim Weinberg '86, '88 (standing), Robin Millet '89 (seated, left), and Amy Goldsmith Rubel '89, enjoy an alumni happy hour at the Hawk's Nest.

The weather may have been damp, but turnout and enthusiasm were high at Fall Weekend 2009.

The campus was bustling with activity this past weekend, including reunions, performances, activities for kids, awards honoring outstanding alumni, and the dedication of the University's baseball field as "Fiondella Field."

Fall Weekend combines Homecoming and Parents Weekend, with three activity-packed days on campus.

Many of Saturday's activities had to be moved indoors -- for example, the Barbecue on the Green was moved inside Gengras Student Union, and alumni musicians played in the Bookstore instead of outside in the Harry Jack Gray Center courtyard -- but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm of alumni and parents.

"For a damp day, everyone made the best of it. People just had fun," said Director of Alumni Relations Kandyce Aust.

The fun kicked off on Friday evening with the popular casino night event, which has become a Homecoming favorite. The theme for this year's casino night was “Fly Hawk Air!” -- participants competed for a variety of travel-related prizes, including luggage, cameras, and the Grand Prize, a $1,000 gift certificate for Southwest Airlines.

Saturday's events included the popular Alumni Artisan Marketplace and performances by alumni musicians; “Parents College,” a traditional favorite that gives parents the opportunity to experience University classes; lots of activities for children; reunions, receptions, and much more.

Distinguished alumni from each of the University’s schools and colleges were honored at the fifth annual Anchor Awards ceremony on Saturday evening.

There also were a number of performances throughout the weekend, including two MUSIC for a CHANGE concerts -- Rockapella on Friday night, and The Capitol Steps on Saturday night.

On Sunday, the University’s baseball field was dedicated as “Fiondella Field,” honoring University Regent Robert Fiondella, the former chairman and CEO of Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Co., and his family for their tremendous commitment to bettering their community.