Visit from the folks: Family Weekend hits Sept. 23-25

Parents longing to see their little sweety-pies will flood the Southeast Missouri campus Sept. 23-25 for Family Weekend.

Since 1977 the weekend has been a chance for the parental units to see how much their kid has changed in a mere months time at college.

Activities on tap for the weekend include:

• The synergy of Family Weekend falling on the same weekend as the City of Roses. Bring the folks to see some of about 50 regional bands rock out!
• Sweat out the bad stuff in the third annual Free Speech 5K competitive run and one-mile ceremonial walk. The run takes place Sept. 24, with registration from 8 to 9:15 a.m. and run/walk at 9:30 a.m. The run is sponsored by the Department of Communication (hence the "Free Speech" business). For more information visit www.semo.edu/communication/events/freedomrun/index.htm.
• The Southeast Missouri Regional Museum appeals to the artsy side with its "The Art of Burt Hasen" exhibition from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 24 and 25. The exhibition is a retrospective of New York artist Hasen's work, which runs the gamut from cubism to surrealism to abstract expressionism.
• When it's time to feed the beast, students and families can visit the luncheon Sept. 24 at two locations, Towers Cafeteria and the University Center Skylight Terrace from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Feeling the burn is made easy with games, contests and sports-related activities from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Student Recreation Center.
• Get ready for some football before the Southeast home game against Jacksonville State University at the Health Facilities Rehab Service Pre-Game Tailgate Gathering from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The event will be held at the Student Recreation Center parking lot, with food, drinks and music by Flashback.
• Free snacks and entertainment at 9:30 p.m. after the game in Academic Hall Auditorium.
• Eat with the Prez! Southeast President Dr. Ken Dobbins will sit down for a Brunch with the President from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the University Center.