September 15, 2025
East Texas Baptist University welcomed students, families, and loved ones for a weekend full of fellowship and fun on Friday, September 12, through Sunday, September 14. Families were able to enjoy a variety of events that showcased life on the Hill.
“Our hope for Family Weekend is that our students' cups are filled and their parents experienced all the good that their child has been telling them about over the past few weeks,” Director of Student Life Laura Coursey said. “My favorite aspect of Family Weekend is always the enhanced community that comes from our extended Tiger Family. Our students are so dear to our hearts, and having a piece of theirs with us for the weekend at ETBU really makes our time together so special.”
Over 1,000 guests made their way to campus for Family Weekend. The evening kicked off on Friday with Gather at the Grove, a time of music, fellowship, lawn games, and local crowd-favorite food trucks. Families were also welcome to play pickleball, sand volleyball, and basketball. The BGB Improv Troupe had a Family Weekend Game Show performance before Movie Night Under the Stars at Taylor Field, where families enjoyed popcorn, candy, and drinks while watching a family-favorite film. Family Weekend also aligned with the 15th annual Great East Texas Hymn Sing hosted by ETBU, where hundreds of campus community members and guests gathered to celebrate Christian faith through singing hymns led by ETBU alumni, faculty, and staff, accompanied by piano and organ music.
“We’ve really enjoyed spending time together at the events—from the worship service to Gather at the Grove and the Tailgate,” said Jim Brown, father of freshman Reagan Brown. “The best part has been meeting her friends and their families.” Reagan’s mom, Patty Brown, added, “It makes us feel so much more comfortable knowing she’s surrounded by people who love her and love God.”
The Saturday Family Weekend events began with the Small Business Saturday Market and Brunch Bar, where families and loved ones could enjoy a variety of juices and breakfast foods while browsing products from vendors offering everything from baked goods and coffees to crafts, beauty products, and services. Later, students and their families gathered in Baker Chapel for Family Worship, followed by Tiger Family Lunch in the dining hall. In the afternoon, the Family and Faculty Connection offered families the opportunity to meet their students’ professors. In the evening, many participated in the Family Tailgate before the ETBU Tiger Football Game vs. Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where the Tigers put an exclamation point on the day with a 28-0 victory. The weekend ended with families attending their Tigers' local church for morning worship and then their favorite Sunday lunch spot.
“Family Weekend is one of our favorite times of the year because it allows us to welcome parents and families into the life of the University,” Senior Vice President for Campus Life Ryan Erwin said. “It’s a chance to walk alongside them, celebrate the ways their students are growing and thriving, and rejoice together in the Christ-centered community that makes ETBU feel like home.”