Families gather on campus over the weekend for packed schedule of events

Written By Robert Berger, Co-News Editor

From a trip to the zoo, athletic events and a night of java and jazz in Village Park, families from near and far took part in Point Park’s annual Family Weekend festivities.

The weekend events kicked off at Highmark Stadium as the men’s and women’s soccer teams faced Midway University in a pair of conference matchups. The women’s team led things off with a shutout win. The men’s game followed also resulting in a victory for Point Park.

Following the soccer victories was a welcome reception in the Lawrence Hall Lobby.
CulinArt catered the event providing families hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Families toured the student photo gallery located in the lobby at this time during the reception. The work consisted of projects from students in the documentary photography class.

Also on Friday night, the Pioneer volleyball team hosted West Virgina Tech University for a conference matchup in the Student Center gym. The Pioneers earned a win after four sets.

Both Friday and Saturday nights featured a “Night on Broadway,” a showcase with performances from students in the theatre department.

In the University Center on both Friday and Saturday, student films from previous cinema production students were screened. Freshman 3D animation major, Aaron Tannen’s parents traveled from Delaware for the weekend and spent their Friday night watching student films.

“All the movies were actually really good, I was very impressed with each of them,” Allen Tannen said at the Java and Jazz event Saturday night.

Point Park shuttles ran throughout Saturday afternoon as Pittsburgh exploration was the  weekend theme. Exploration events went underway Saturday morning with a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.

Saturday afternoon also featured a Point Park volleyball game in the Student Center gym. The  Pioneers took on section rivals Rio Grande University. In three sets, Point Park walked away with another athletics win.

Also on Saturday afternoon,  looping shuttles ran to various Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Shuttle stops included the Strip District, Lawrenceville, Shadyside and Station Square. Families were able to hop on and off freely. The loop took about 45 minutes to complete.

At Schenley Park on Saturday, the men’s and women’s cross country teams competed in the Carnegie Mellon University Invitational as part of Family Weekend Festivities. The Pioneers put up a strong showing, finishing ninth and seventh respectively.

Freshman broadcast major Dylan Allen competed at the meet, and his mother Rebecca Urban traveled from Altoona for the weekend.

“It was a beautiful day, I got to meet the other parents and his team mates and it was a great day,” Urban said.

Saturday night wrapped up on campus at Village Park with the annual java and jazz in park. Families enjoyed desserts provided by CulinArt including apple and peach cobbler, cookies, hot chocolate and hot apple cider.

“This is a beautiful setting being right in the middle of the city,” Urban said. “The weather turned out perfectly too.”

For the fourth year in a row, the James Johnson Trio played a collection of free formed jazz as students and families relaxed in the park. The trio consisted of keyboards, drums and saxophone.

“It’s great now that we’ve done it a few years now, I think it’s a really cool event for families and the students,” keyboard player Cliff Barnes said.

Events concluded on Sunday morning with another soccer double header. The men’s soccer team got things underway with another shutout victory to conference opponent Brescia University. The women’s team followed also earning a shutout, completing a family weekend sweep.

In the Lawrence Hall dining hall, family brunch was served. A variety of food was provided by CulinArt, including breakfast sandwiches, pizza and pasta.