FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama welcomed more than 1,100 Lion family members and students to its third annual Family Weekend last Saturday. Families enjoyed a day with their students participating in multiple events across campus, culminating with UNA’s football game against Central Arkansas.
Family Weekend Planning Committee member Nikki Yarber, enrollment director at the Delores and Weldon Cole Honors College, said the group began work in May.
A signature event of UNA Family Engagement, Family Weekend seeks to cultivate connection and community between the university and students’ families.
“I view this event as one that is truly joyful – the positive interactions that occur between students and their families are heartwarming to witness,” Yarber said. “Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves as they laugh and catch up with each other, while engaging in fun games, activities, and crafts.
“The mood is upbeat, lighthearted, and fun. The planning of this event is a highlight for me each year.”
While registration began June 1 and closed Sept. 26, many families still showed up to register Saturday.
The campus-wide event brought families of all classifications to town for a variety of activities and events with faculty and staff from academic colleges, departments, and several organizations at UNA. The most popular events included the build-a-lion station, brunch, a photo scavenger hunt, Family Bingo, a talk by meteorologist James Spann, and a family tailgate at Braly Stadium.
“Family Weekend was great,” said Andrea Maples of Huntsville. Maples had six people in her party, including her daughter, a freshman at the university. “UNA pulled off an amazing day for families.”
University President Dr. Ken Kitts, Athletic Director Dr. Josh Looney, Dean of Students Dr. Minnette Ellis, and UNA “hype humans” Olivia Britton and Brody Gravitt kicked off the event with a welcome, giveaways, and impromptu games inside CB&S Bank Arena.
UNA Police officers and UNA Student Government Association members directed traffic and guided families to sites across campus.
“It was incredible to see our campus come alive during UNA Family Weekend,” Ellis said. “The energy was joyful and welcoming everywhere you looked. We’re so grateful for our amazing campus partners — their creativity, teamwork, and dedication are what make this event so special year after year.
“It was truly a celebration of the UNA community and spirit.”
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