By Daniel Brasington ’25
College welcomes record numbers to campus in celebration of the extended Terrier family
Terriers and their people reunited Oct. 11-13 on campus for Family Weekend, an event-filled annual celebration in which laughter and a sense of community rule the day — and night.
“Family Weekend is a great opportunity for families to see why Wofford is their students’ home away from home. It’s also important for families to see the impact Wofford is having on their students and the collective impact students have on the college,” says Thom Henson ’96, director of family philanthropy and engagement. “My favorite comment to hear from a visiting family member is how they wish they had attended Wofford. That means we’re doing something right.”
Family Weekend included the following events:
Parent Leadership Council gathering
The PLC was founded in 2016 by a group of active parents who wanted to do more to support Wofford students. This group enhances its support with annual gifts of $2,500 or more. It meets twice each year to hear from college leaders and learn about current needs. The current PLC is raising funds for an endowed scholarship that will allow a student with financial need to travel abroad for Interim.
Career Center reception
The Career Center in the Mungo Exchange invited parents to enjoy refreshments while learning more about the Career Center and how its counselors support students planning for life after graduation. Parents also received recommendations on how they fit into the process.
Study abroad reception
This reception served as a meet-andgreet for families who will have students participating in a spring 2025 study abroad program or planning to participate in a future semester study abroad program.
Senior Legacy Celebration
Campus Union officers created the Senior Legacy Celebration to recognize students in the Class of 2024 who were about to graduate. The inaugural celebration was so popular that Campus Union decided to make it a regular event and hold it during Family Weekend so more families could attend. Members of the Class of 2025 and their families met in Main Building’s Leonard Auditorium for the ceremony and received a keepsake pin or pendant with the college seal. President Nayef Samhat spoke.
Family mixer and campus-wide party with the Hightides
Faculty and staff always enjoy these opportunities to meet student families.
Group run and yoga
On Saturday morning, students and their families could choose to rise and shine with a fun run or group yoga session.
Cheer on the Terriers
Women’s soccer, men’s soccer and football competed against Southern Conference opponents during the weekend.
Student research presentations and reception
Dozens of students and faculty were available with posters to share their research in the Great Oaks Hall of the Roger Milliken Science Center. Research topics included subjects such as coral reefs, zebrafish, bluebirds, corporate responsibility, single parenting, integration, the madness of King George III, dance as a form of activism, foreign policy, writing pedagogy, power generation, bone loss, tropical cyclones and plant growth in the Pantanal of Brazil.
Order of 1854 induction ceremony
This event on the lawn of Main Building is a celebration for Wofford alumni who are related to a first-year student attending Wofford. First-year students who have a Wofford alumnus parent, grandparent or close family member are officially recognized as members of the Order of 1854.
All-campus tailgate
This campus-wide event offered pregame food and another opportunity to gather with other Terriers before football. The weather was perfect!
Music department concert
Wofford’s student music groups — Wofford Singers, Women’s Choir, Men’s Glee Club, Concert Band and other ensembles — showcased their talents under the direction of Dr. Aaron Harp, chair of the department and assistant professor of music.
5th annual Terrier Family Trivia Night
This always entertaining event has become a family favorite.