September 26, 2017
ETBU welcomes all through Family Weekend
East Texas Baptist University invited students and their families to the annual Family Weekend, held on Friday, September 22 through Saturday, September 23. Almost 700 family members visiting ETBU experienced life on the Hill from the perspective of their students as they participated in various campus activities. The event connected students' families to faculty and staff and allowed them to share in the caring community environment of the University.
"The Tiger Family is like a true family in every sense of the word. When you come to ETBU, you can expect to be a part of a community that loves you," Vice President for Student Affairs Heather Hadlock shared. "Our families at home love us, care about us, and support us. They are there to celebrate with us and cry with us. That is what we do here at ETBU. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or staff member - we are all family, and we extend that out to the families of our Tigers."
Family Weekend began on Friday evening with dessert and fellowship. Saturday morning kicked off with a Tigers Serve community service event. Families served in teams at various locations in Marshall, including Travis Elementary, Crockett Elementary, the Boys and Girls Club, and Marshall Homecare and Hospice. Many Tigers also spent the morning cleaning up roadways and parking lots throughout Marshall. More than 85 volunteers worked together to show Christ's spirit of servanthood in the local community.
"I was welcomed into the community by all. ETBU is a community of believers," ETBU senior Austin Damron expressed. "This group of college students, who seek to make Christ's name known, have brought a joy to my life that I have never before experienced. I haven't regretted the decision to come here once. I am the President of a campus organization called Student Foundation that helps coordinate Family Weekend," Damron continued. "My brother, Aaron, is a part of Freshman Class Council, another student group that assists planning events. We enjoyed working together and showing our family why so many of us have found ETBU to be our college home."
Family Weekend initiates new friendships and deepens relationships within the Tiger Family through an array of events. From ice-cream floats provided by the Alumni Association and the Tigers Got Talent show to tailgating at the Grove and the Tiger Football game, families enjoyed the vibrancy of the Christian community at East Texas Baptist.
"Everyone is a part of the family. As soon as you step onto campus, you become a part," ETBU freshman Dundre Williams said. "Family is the top priority for me. Family has always been there for me, and now that I'm a part of the Tiger Family at ETBU, it's always going to be."