Families from across the world flocked to Fordham University for Family Weekend and took part in several activities such as the Fordham Football game, Family Bingo and dinner in Little Italy. Fordham hosted its annual Family Weekend from Friday, Oct. 4, to Sunday, Oct. 6.
The Campus Activities Board elected a Special Events subcommittee of co-chairs this year to take care of the logistics surrounding the weekend-long event. This subcommittee includes Aishna Gaikwad, GSB ’26, Zoe Skinner, GSB ’26, and Cameron Kelley, FCRH ’27. This panel of students was responsible for planning all of the events that occurred during Family Weekend, from the football game against Lafayette College to Family Bingo in Keating First Auditorium.
“When I got this position as the special co-chair in Campus Activities Board, I didn’t realize how much organization and how much behind-the-scenes work went into all of this, so being trusted with a position like this is something that for sure means a lot to me,” said Kelley. Kelley noted how he appreciated the opportunity to serve on this team and assist in planning a large campus event such as Family Weekend.
Additionally, Kelley said he appreciates the ability to bring the Fordham community together over a long weekend. “[My favorite part] has to be, without a doubt, the energy on campus, happy students and happy families all spending time together,” said Kelley. “I know what we are doing is helping make a great environment, but the joy of families seeing their kids is so much bigger than we are.”
Skinner described the teams’ excitement for the entire weekend, but a few parts that brought them the most joy.
“The Welcome Reception sets the tone for the entire weekend, and it’s so wonderful to get to speak to families after months of planning,” Skinner said prior to Family Weekend. “We are so excited to connect with families during our breakfast, give them golf cart campus tours and ultimately show how much we love our school. It’s such a wonderful weekend, and we cannot wait to see everyone.”
In conversation with Fordham families, they expressed excitement about the programs offered at Family Weekend, notably the bingo event on Friday evening. “I came mainly to see my most wonderful brother, Jack, but some other things that excited me were the bingo and football games,” said Katie McDonald. McDonald, who made the trip from Westchester County, said she enjoyed spending time with her family at Fordham. “I can’t wait to be able to go to one of these events again, I even ended up walking away from bingo with a Jellycat!” she said. “Thank you Fordham University and all of their staff for hosting such a nice and fun-filled weekend.”
“I enjoyed the welcoming reception, the food was delicious,” noted Barbara Watts, who attended the appetizers reception on the steps outside Keating Hall. “I also was very impressed with the Marketplace, which was very welcoming, with great food. My chicken, mushroom and pasta dish was wonderful.”
Additionally, several families made the journey to Bronx Little Italy for dinner, heading to restaurants such as Moise’s, Mario’s, Tra Di Noi and Michelangelo’s.
“We enjoyed going out with the family for dinner at Moise’s,” said Kevin McDonald. “There was a lot to choose from this weekend.”
“I went to Prince Cafe with my parents,” said Tyler Rayer, GSB ’28, whose parents made the journey from Pennsylvania. Additionally, Rayer also took some time to run some errands. “I also watched the football game, had lunch at the Grotto and then got some extra pillows for my room.”
