More than 350 parents and family members joined their students at the annual Parents Weekend, October 9-11.
The weekend began on Friday afternoon with President Hagerty greeting attendees in the recently refurbished Burbank building. The reception gave parents the opportunity to renew acquaintances with one another and to talk with many of the College’s administrators.
The families also had an opportunity to meet and confer with faculty and support staff during the afternoon’s Open House.
Friday concluded with over 100 students and family members enjoying a night of bowling at the local Leesburg AMF Lanes.
Early Saturday morning 30 individuals joined together to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness by participating in Beacon’s Breast Cancer walk around the lake at Veterans Memorial Park.
Back on campus, Dr. Hagerty made the first of two presentations entitled “Pursuing the Life Abundant.” He began with a brief history of the founding of Beacon College and its growth, from an academic enhancement and facilities expansion perspective. He described the most recent building acquisitions and pointed to the current resurfacing of the facade on the Studio Arts Building as an example of the commitment to improve the “curb appeal” of our buildings.
He then turned his attention to the future plans for the College. These included the direction from the Board of Trustees to “Establish Beacon College as the premier institution of its kind in the United States” and to implement the Master Plan created by the nationally recognized firm CREDO. During his presentation he introduced the College’s new mascot, NaviGator, and previewed an animated version of the Beacon College campus of the future.
A very popular component of Parents Weekend is the option for parents to attend simulated classes. Parents have the opportunity to experience the different teaching techniques employed by the faculty. This year’s classes included: Photoshop, Tricks of the Trade; Anxiety; Stained Glass 101; and Learning Essentials and Self Discovery.
Another popular topic, Deducting the Cost of Education on Your IRS 1040 and Other Financial Aid Information, was presented by a local CPA in conjunction with the Beacon College staff.
The afternoon sessions ended with an open discussion with the Student Affairs staff.
Following a delicious buffet dinner students and parents alike danced late into the night to the musical selections of a local DJ.
Sunday morning, in spite of the late night, many parents enjoyed a brunch on campus and had another opportunity to talk with Dr. Hagerty prior to saying goodbye to their children and heading home.
“This was an exceptional occasion for us, not only to see how our daughter is doing but also to learn more about the College,” said one parent. Another commented “We are amazed at how much this College has changed our son’s life. We’re so happy we found Beacon College.”