September 18, 2018
East Texas Baptist University students welcomed their families to campus for the University’s annual Family Weekend on Friday, September 14 and Saturday, September 15. More than 465 family members visited to experience the joy of community at ETBU.
“When I was a student here, I participated in Family Weekend each year,” ETBU Director of Student Activities Laura Coursey (’17) said. “I enjoyed telling my family all about the people I knew, how involved I had become, and where I was attending church. For me, the best times were the conversations sparked because of Family Weekend. As a staff member, I hope that these students and their families experience the same amount of joy that I did.”
Designed to connect families with every aspect of the University, Family Weekend included activities such as Tigers Serve, Alumni Association Floats, Family and Faculty Connection, and the Tiger Football game.
“My family and I decided to be a part of Family Weekend because I knew it would be a great time for them to share in life on the Hill with me,” ETBU freshman Reese Dunn shared. “ETBU has made me feel right at home, providing the same security and comfort. In the short time that I have been here, I’ve made friendships that I know will last forever. Being a part of the Tiger Family is something really special.”
Tigers Serve, a community service event, allowed over 60 students and family members to minister at various locations throughout Marshall, including Heritage House Nursing Home, Boys and Girls Club, Soda Lake Baptist Association, Dayspring Ranch, and My Friends House.
“Tigers Serve was hard and rewarding work. My family and I enjoy being involved in the community, and this event was a great opportunity to do that,” ETBU freshman Madelyn Moses-Tolopka commented. “I feel part of the Tiger Family because it is easy to get to know other people through the events ETBU offers, especially since the University incorporates the Lord into everything and provides service opportunities.”
According to Coursey, ETBU Student Activities intends for families to see how their students are thriving in the caring environment of ETBU and grow together through fellowship during Family Weekend.
“I love to meet the families of students. To see the pride and joy of a family member when they know their child is excelling while at ETBU is such a blessing,” Coursey said. “I think it is important for the families of our students to see how much they truly matter to us here on the Hill.”
Celina Ham, the grandmother of ETBU freshman Heather Farmer, shared her experience during Family Weekend, “I have enjoyed spending time with Heather and loved seeing what her atmosphere is here. Everyone has a smile on their face, and you don’t pass anyone without saying ‘hello.’ Seeing the change in Heather since she’s been here has been amazing. I can’t brag enough about ETBU and this event.”