Family weekend is a ‘time to connect’

Guest Frances Smalls and Chicquetta President Reed, director of first and second-year experience, during the family game night. (Panther photo by Damaia Davis)

Students shared their Claflin spirit with family members during the university's inaugural parent-family weekend. 

Families were invited to join students for games, food and raffle prizes. Chicquetta President Reed, director of first and second-year experience, said she wants families to feel like they are part of Claflin. 

“We wanted to have this time so we can connect, engage with you all, give you the opportunity to just get a better understanding and closer experience with us,” Reed said during a welcome given during the Jan. 20 indoor tailgate.  

Families were taught school dances and chants in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. Those who purchased tickets attended the basketball game featuring Claflin University vs. Winston-Salem State. 

Jan. 19 was a more “laid-back” family game night in Ministers’ Hall. Frances Smalls, who was attending as a guest of her grandson Izayiah Smalls, said family gatherings are common for them.  

“We don't want him to feel like he’s here by himself. Even though we’re an hour away, we support him in everything he does,” Smalls said. She attended both events and said she plans to attend next year. 

In a later interview, Reed said a parent-family weekend was a vision that both she and President Dwaun J. Warmack shared. She said it was one of her frameworks when interviewing for the director position.  

“The reason for that is strictly because our parents are one our greatest partners, our families one of our greatest partners,” Reed said. “We want it to feel like home for the family.” 

Reed said she would love parent-family weekend to become an annual event. She is proud of this year's results.  

“It was a great turnout,” Reed said, “and I do believe that parents had as much fun as students that joined, so the vision was for it to continue to grow.” 

The parent-family weekend was an event of community and teamwork, Reed said. Department members from across campus were involved in the planning and the weekend invited family members into this team.  

“I think that’s the ultimate vision is that it takes a team, and it takes a network,” Reed said. “And us working together, we can do anything.” 

Reed said that as university officials, it is important that they build and upkeep parent-family networks. She thanked the parents for their roles in the students' success.  

“Because at the end of the day, yes they’re students,” Reed said, “but to that parent, that's their baby.” 

Family weekend photos by Damaia Davis