'60s band highlights SEMO's Family Weekend

A concert by The Association will highlight Southeast Missouri State University's Family Weekend celebration next month.

The 24th annual celebration is scheduled for Oct. 5-7.

The Association, one of the most popular and successful bands from the 1960s, will perform at Houck Stadium following Southeast's football game against the University of Tennessee-Martin.

The Association has had a number of top hits over the years, including "Never My Love" and "Cherish."

"This is a group that parents will relate to well," said Diane Sides, Family Weekend coordinator and director of university relations.

The university purposely gears the entertainment for visiting parents rather than students. "It is a way for them to kind of harken back to their days in college," said Ann Hayes, university spokeswoman. "I think the outdoor concert has been a concept that has really caught on."

Family Weekend started out as Parents' Day in 1977. It was established to honor the parents of Southeast football players and to thank those who supported the university's athletes.

While the scope has been broadened over the years, the celebration remains centered around a Southeast football game.

Parents' Day became Parents' Weekend in 1985 with Sunday brunch at Wildwood, the traditional home of the university president, and student-guided bus tours of Cape Girardeau.

In 1986, the university changed the name to Family Weekend because of the growing number of non-traditional students.

Since then, the weekend has featured "comedy night," a performance of "Phantom of the Opera," and concerts by Brooks and Dunn, Wolfman Jack, Kenny Rodgers, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Village People, The Temptations, The Beach Boys and Davy Jones of The Monkees.

Unlike the annual homecoming celebration, many Southeast students don't get involved in Family Weekend activities.

Southeast junior Merideth McDowell of Sikeston said homecoming is a bigger event for her and her family.

Family Weekend, she said, is more important for freshmen and their families, since they aren't as familiar with the campus.

"I think it is a good idea for parents to see where their money is going," said McDowell, who writes a column for the student newspaper, The Capaha Arrow.

Events such as open houses in various academic buildings are geared for students' families.

On Oct. 5 and 6, the university's speech communication and theater department will present "Boys Next Door" at 8 p.m. at Rose Theatre. The play by Tom Griffin is about four mentally handicapped men who live in a communal residence. Tickets may be reserved by calling 651-2265 or can be purchased at the door.

Family Game Night will be held at the University Center Ballroom on Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. The event is geared toward non-traditional students who want to bring their families to play board or card games.

Also on Oct. 5, Dr. Michael Cobb, a Southeast physics professor, will hold a star-gazing event at the University Farm. Car pools will leave the Rhodes Hall parking lot at 8 p.m. for the "star party."

Additional events are planned for Oct. 6-7.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123