UC Family Weekend marks 20 years, drawing more than 6,000 participants to campus
If you missed the fun, check out a photo gallery from the event
It’s been more than decade since Julie Shields' son, Keith, graduated from UC, but she remains one of the Bearcats’ biggest fans.
The Cincinnati resident was among the early visitors to campus during UC Family Weekend. She brought her five-year old granddaughter, Cali, all dressed in UC swag to the pep rally on UC's MainStreet. Cail got a hug from the Bearcat mascot while the UC Marching Band played and the UC Dance Team entertained a lunch time crowd.
“I started bringing her to Bearcat Friday when college Game Day came to town,” says Shields referring to her granddaughter. “She fell in love with Mr. Bearcat and she has been coming every year.
“These college kids are the best,” says Shields. “They spoil her rotten and they are wonderful. She will be heartbroken next year because she can’t come and she will be in kindergarten.”
Thousands packed Nippert Stadium to watch UC defeat the Houston Cougars during UC Family Weekend. Photo by Ainsley Moore/University of Cincinnati.
Shields began buying UC swag for Cali shortly after her granddaughter’s birth with one goal: creating the next generation of Bearcats. “I feel like we know everyone. The cheerleaders are wonderful and we get to go out and visit the football field.”
UC Family Weekend, Sept. 20-22, attracted more than 6,000 parents, siblings and supporters of UC students. Attendance set a record for an event that marked its 20th anniversary and showcased 50 different activities. The UC versus University of Houston Cougars football game was among the weekend highlights. The Bearcats packed Nippert Stadium and won 34-0.
The event and the excitement it offered campus life was also mentioned on WLWT and Fox 19.
Michelle Martin and her husband, John, came from Gilbert, Arizona to see what attracted their daughter, Emma, to the Queen City. The couple watched as Emma, a first-year nursing student and part of the UC Dance Team, performed for spectators and passersby.
UC Family Weekend includes more than 50 acitvities ranging from family bingo night to painting classes to an ice cream making demo conducted by a university chemist. Photo by Ainsley Moore/University of Cincinnati.
“We love UC. We love the campus and the friendliness,” says Michelle Martin. “My daughter loves it and she is living her best life.”
UC Family Weekend involved more than 50 volunteers and at least 30 campus partners who hosted events.
“Family weekend is such a vibrant time on the UC campus,” says Whitney White, director of family engagement at UC. “We try to give families the chance to hang out with students and experience all that university life has to offer. Staff and faculty come together campuswide to make the event successful each year.
“We also have an amazing team of Parent & Family Ambassadors. These are our student volunteers who put their heart and soul into planning a dynamic and engaging weekend for their peers and their families,” explains White.
Featured image at top of Cali Shields, 5, at UC Family Weekend. Her father, Keith Garry Shields, is a 2015 UC graduate.
Check out photos from UC Family Weekend below.
The Bearcat Mascot is all in for hugs. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
It's a great day to be a Bearcat. Photo by Bella Livingston/University of Cincinnati student photographer.
UC swag was all the rage for Bearcat families during UC Family Weekend 2024. Photo by Kelly Bennett/University of Cincinnnati.
School spirit was contagious during UC Family Weekend 2024. Photo by Laney Walden/University of Cincinnati.
Student volunteers were an important part of what made UC Family Weekend 2024 a success. Allied Health Sciences ambassadors did their part. Photo by Kaitlyn Mullins/University of Cincinnati.
UC Family Weekend 2024 offered something for everyone. Photo by Aidan Leonard/University of Cincinnati student photographer.
The next generation of Bearcats? Photo by Kelly Bennett/University of Cincinnati.
Thousands packed Nippert Stadium to see the Bearcats defeat the Houston Cougars, 34-0, during UC Family Weekend. Photo by Kelly Bennett/University of Cincinnati
Student volunteers helped families with directions and more during UC Family Weekend 2024. Photo by Kaitlyn Mullins/University of Cincinnati.
Definitely a Bearcats nation. Photo by Kelly Bennett/University of Cincinnati.
The UC Bearcats vs Houston Cougars football game created some memorable moments. Photo by Kelly Bennett/University of Cincinnati.
The Band, the Bearcat and a pumped crowd. Who could ask for more? Photo by Kelly Bennett/University of Cincinnati.
Families could choose from than 50 activities during UC Family Weekend. Photo by Whitney White/University of Cincinnati.
Clifton Court Hall played hosted to activities for hundreds of families at UC Family Weekend. Photo by Lucas Griffith/University of Cincinnati student photographer.
UC Marching Band entertained spectators during a pep rally that kicked off UC Family Weekend 2024. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
It was all about school spirit during UC Family Weekend 2024. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
UC Family Weekend celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. The Bearcat Mascot joined the marching band at a pep rally to kick off activities. Photo by Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
Lots of activity on and off the field at Nippert Stadium during the UC vs Houston Cougars game. Photo by Isabella Zinchini/University of Cincinnati student photographer.
UC Women's Soccer defeated Kansas State, 2-1, during UC Family Weekend 2024. Photo by Isabella Zinchini/University of Cincinnati student photographer.
UC Women's Soccer team celebrates a win over Kansas State. Photo by Isabella Zinchini/University of Cincinnati student photographer.
Clifton Court Hall stayed busy during UC Family Weekend. Photo by Aidan Leonard/University of Cincinnati student photographer.
The College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services hosted events during UC Family Weekend. Photo provided.
Lots fun, food and smiles at CECH during UC Family Weekend. Photo provided.
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UC Family Weekend, Sept. 20-22, attracted more than 6,000 parents, siblings and supporters of UC students. Attendance set a record for an event that marked its 20th anniversary and showcased 50 different activities. The UC versus University of Houston Cougars football game was among the weekend highlights. The Bearcats packed Nippert Stadium and won 34-0.