Alongside TUGather, the annual Taylor traditions, Grandparents Day, is set to take place April 26 with the intention of bringing generations together, according to a brochure sent out to Taylor families.
Grandparents will have the opportunity to visit campus and see their grandchildren in Upland.
Holly Whitby, vice president of enrollment and marketing, said she believes that students who have no family coming for the weekend still have an opportunity to honor other grandparents. This could help create a friendly environment where everyone can enjoy the weekend, she said.
“It’s a nice time for grandparents to see what’s happening in the lives of their grandchildren,” Whitby said. “What a way to honor those who have probably played an instrumental role in their lives.”
She hopes grandparents feel honored and included even in their short stay on campus.
Students will have the chance to spend time with their grandparents. Numerous other events will be taking place on campus in light of TUGather such as a chapel service, concerts, the President’s Vision Gala, Taylor’s performance of “Newsies,” and various alumni guest speakers.
Chapel will be relocated to Odle Arena to accommodate visiting family and alumni.
One of the most anticipated events is the Chris Tomlin concert, Whitby said. The performance will begin at 8:30 p.m. in the Kesler Student Activities Center (KSAC).
Among the events in the KSAC is the President’s Vision Gala, where President Lindsay will discuss future plans for the University. This event will precede the concert, starting at 5:15 p.m.
At 1 p.m. in the Recital Hall the Grandparent Chat will take place. Following this, grandparents will have the opportunity to take a driving tour of campus, according to the brochure.
There will also be a baseball double-header with the Trojans playing the Goshen College Maple Leafs twice in one day. The two games will begin at 3 and 6 p.m.
Opening night of Newsies, put on by Taylor’s Theater Department will also take place on at 7:30 p.m.
“Although there are often grandparents’ days in elementary schools, it’s something pretty unique for a university to have and for it to be so well attended,” Sara Brookshire, director of parent relations and strategic events, said. “The goal is to keep the legacy of interconnectedness through generations as a forefront of who we are.”
Brookshire wants all to feel included and for students to have quality time with their grandparents even in this busy season.
For more information on the weekend, visit TUGather (cvent.com).
