Sept. 13, 2002--Freshman Parents Weekend, scheduled Oct. 4-6, is guaranteed to immerse new students and families of the UD community in the full swing of campus life. Planned activities include sharp-witted satire from The Capitol Steps, a lively jazz concert on The Green, a showcase highlighting over 400 student musicians and a Family Fun Fest in downtown Newark.

The weekend is a perfect opportunity for parents and family members of new freshman and transfer students to reunite in a setting filled with fun and exciting activities, many designed just for them. The event is sponsored by the Office of Alumni and University Relations.

Kicking off the weekend on Friday, Oct. 4, will be two performances by The Capitol Steps– “the only group in America that attempts to be funnier than Congress” – at 7 and 9:30 p.m. in Mitchell Hall. The traveling troupe, which includes current and former Congressional staffers, monitors events and personalities on Capitol Hill, in the Oval Office and in other centers of power and prestige around the world. The performers will feature the hilarious political songs and commentary that have won them fame and fans across the country.

Jazz tunes will fill the air outside Mitchell Hall on The Green when the Department of Music’s Jazz Quartet continues the weekend’s festivities from 7:30 – 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and great conversation with family and friends while taking in the lively music.

Parents and students will have the opportunity to learn more about academic programs and student services at an Information Reception hosted by President and Mrs. David P. Roselle from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, at Mentors’ Circle, located between Morris Library and Memorial and Hullihen Halls. Participants will enjoy complimentary refreshments and informal conversation with faculty and staff members from various academic and student services departments.

Calliope VII, a one-of-a-kind kaleidoscopic performance featuring more than 400 UD students, is scheduled at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, in the Bob Carpenter Sports/Convocation Center. The fast-paced showcase will highlight a number of music groups, including UD’s Jazz Bands, Wind and Symphonic Bands, Percussion Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorale, University Singers and more. The concert will conclude with an exciting finale by the 300-member Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching Band. All proceeds from Calliope VII benefit the UD Department of Music Scholarship Fund.

Conclude the weekend exploring the restaurant and retail stores dowtown Newark’s Main Street has to offer at “Family Fest, Let Downtown Newark Show You Its Best,”from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6. Enjoy live entertainment by local performers on the Academy Lawn, located at the corner of Academy and Main Streets, and take advantage of the dining and retail specials offered by Main Street merchants.

Several other fun-filled activities, including a Fightin’ Blue Hens football game and other sports events, pre-game lunch, a pep rally and brunch and dinner at the Blue and Gold Club are scheduled throughout the weekend. Details for all events are available in a brochure mailed mid-August or at [http://www.udel.edu/parents].

Ticket orders, using the form enclosed in the brochure or downloaded from the web site, must be received by Friday, Sept. 27. For more information about Freshman Parents Weekend, e-mail [alumnet@udel.edu], or call 302-831-8741.

Article by Amie Voith AS 2003