The weekend of Friday, October 19th is the start of Family Weekend where all of our supporters, mentors, friends, and family gather to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished and to thank those who got us to where we are.
This family weekend is a bit different than the past because on Friday, October 19th, the inauguration of our eighth president, Dr. Alison Davis-Blake is commencing. Many Bentley students are excited for this new stage in our University’s history and it’s incredible that Bentley is also welcoming our families to join in this momentous occasion. This session starts with an academic procession, followed by an Installation Ceremony with keynote speake Dr. Mary Sue Coleman. Dr. Coleman is the president of the Association of American Universities. There will also be a reception after the ceremony on the Mezzanine in the arena.
Other events on Friday include the Muslim Jum’ah Prayer in the Sacred Space and Open House at the Center for Women and Business. Families are also welcome to check in at the student center in the main entrance to get a schedule of events, area maps, restaurant recommendations, and ask any questions they may have.
Throughout the afternoon, there will also be a Study Abroad Showcase taking place in the Student Center living room and a “You Can B” Showcase which includes information on the new addition to the orientation program. On Friday evening, join Bentley’s student-led Hillel and Jewish Chaplin to celebrate the Shabbat and enjoy a Kosher meal. There are also a variety of restaurants to go to that offer discounts to Bentley families.
Head on over to the pool at 6 pm on Friday to cheer on the men’s and women’s swim teams in their opening meet against Wheaton!
On Saturday, October 20th, families can take part in the First Generation Student and Family Breakfast or a Continental Breakfast. Starting at 9 AM, there are a number of different sessions that families can attend to learn more about programs and activities offered at Bentley. Some of these include a session with Alyssa Hammond and Career Services and a Strengths-Based Session that showcases student’s talents and how they can use them to achieve success.
At 10 AM, there will be a Town Meeting with President Alison Davis-Blake and Vice President Andrew Shepardson. This meeting will include talking points about how much Bentley has grown and how much it plans to grow in the future.
At 11 AM, there will be a variety of different events and activities you can choose to go to including a Study Abroad session for what families need to know in terms of planning and preparing. There is another session on Unforgettable Internships that Bentley students have taken part in, as well as a chance to see a Bentley Women’s Soccer Game against Le Moyne. Families can also head over to the Little Greenspace on Lower campus to grab a casual BBQ luncheon.
At 1 PM, join Bentley students, faculty, and staff on the Football Field to cheer on the Falcons in their game against the Stonehill College Skyhawks. Stop by the photobooth and take some fall family portraits on your way to the game!
Starting at 2PM, families will have the chance to go to the Honors Program coffee break so that honors students and families can hear more about the opportunities available. Families can take a campus tour, explore the CIS Sandbox, or go to the Academic Services Open House. Later in the afternoon, parents and families can explore the Bentley Library, go to Legacy Family Reception, and then choose one of the Waltham-area restaurants to dine at.
The last day of Family Weekend is Sunday, October 21st. As the weekend comes to a close, families have a chance to see the spiritual life groups we have on campus. At 10 AM, there are two different services, a Catholic Mass and a Protestant Worship. Following these, there is a coffee hour taking place in the lobby of the Back Bays in the Student Center. Breakfast will also be available from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
The weekend wraps up with a Class of 2019 Family Brunch where students and faculty toast the start of a new year of growth at Bentley. This weekend is packed full of activities and sessions to see how much Bentley means to all of us and to thank our parents and families for getting us to where we are today.
For more information visit: https://www.bentley.edu/alumni/events/family-weekend/2018-schedule