California Baptist University pulled out all the stops on Nov. 10-11 for Parent and Family Weekend. Every year, CBU hosts a weekend chock full of events for students to enjoy with their families.
According to Joshua Moss, senior director of Alumni, Parent and Donor Engagement, attendees had much to be excited about.
“The basketball game on Friday night is always fun and includes food trucks and attractions,” Moss said. Saturday’s festivities on the Front Lawn started in the afternoon and included new rides and attractions, as well as music and food.
“I always love watching the student body come out to cheer on their friends that made it to the championship,” Moss said.
The basketball game was a hit, with CBU’s men’s team winning against Jackson State with a score of 80-66.
CBU had several bounce houses set up across the Front Lawn, such as an inflatable foosball rink and a bounce house with a massive wrecking ball inside. Other attractions included a rock-climbing wall and a carnival swing ride.
Throughout the night, students lined up for the rides and food trucks that crowded the Front Lawn offering pretzels, espresso, kettle corn and more
David Delgado, senior nursing major, said he especially enjoyed the festivities on Saturday, sharing how he bonded with his family.
“Overall, I enjoyed this year’s attractions and was able to spend some time with my family at Fortuna Bowl,” Delgado said. “We all had a great time and enjoyed going on the swing ride together.”
The annual intramural football championships were the highlight of many people’s nights, with Rings by Spring winning on the men’s side and the Hail Marys winning on the women’s.
Tyler Cox, senior director of Campus Recreation, shared how Fortuna fits into Parent and Family Weekend.
“Fortuna Bowl, along with the other activities at Parent and Family Weekend, is a great opportunity for students to continue to build community on campus,” Cox said. “It is also a chance for students to include their parents on some of the fun activities that happen on campus. This year, there [were] two great games, some really entertaining halftime shows and an amazing fireworks display.”
As per tradition, CBU closed out Fortuna Bowl with its fireworks show, a spectacle many students find unforgettable.
“It is just an incredible experience being able to watch a firework show at CBU while having friends and family all around you,” Delgado said.
Besides the more common attractions of Parent and Family Weekend, there was a plethora of new activities for people to participate in.
“We are excited to add Rise and Shine, a worship event hosted on Saturday morning entirely led by students,” Moss said. “This event [featured] student-led worship and a message from some of our BAT students. There [was] also a fitness event — kickboxing — for students and families hosted by the Recreation team and an interactive prayer walk for families hosted by our Parent Prayer Group.”
Moss said he believes the weekend brings families together and highlights the distinct and meaningful aspects of CBU culture.
“We want to celebrate the unique role each person plays in the Lancer community, whether they are a parent, student, alumnus, or staff member,” Moss said.
