Students will welcome their parents, brothers, and sisters to campus today as Tufts kicks off its annual Parents' Weekend events. This year's events - including a reception, speeches from high-level administrators, and symposia on various world issues - will be coordinated with the University's sesquicentennial celebrations.
Despite travel repercussions in wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, the Development Office believes that more east-cost parents will visit campus than usual.
"I think that the Middle Atlantic and New England parents are particularly eager to come up," said Director of Parents' programs Ellie Short, adding that current national turmoil is making many parents anxious to spend time with their children. Short said that she will work to reassure parents that Tufts is a supportive community for their children. "Any time that I speak, I'm going to talk about Tufts as a family or as a unit."
While the administration does not plan to address the terrorist attacks formally, Short said she anticipates that University President Larry Bacow, Provost Sol Gittleman, and various professors would address the events in their speeches to parents and students.
"I don't think anyone's speech will be what they thought would be in July," Short said.
Among the weekends events are the following:
Friday, Oct. 123:30-4:45 p.m. Tufts World ViewsJoin members of the Tufts faculty for discussions on current international topics. All seminars will be held in the Tisch Library.
5-6 p.m. Parents ReceptionHosted by members of the Tufts Parents Fund Committee. Parents, students and family members are invited to join the committee for light refreshments. The Jackson Jills will entertain. Alumnae Lounge, Aidekman Arts Center
8 p.m. ConcertSesquicentennial Surprises: Musical Treasures Celebrating 150 Years at TuftsA selection of worldwide musical styles presented in performances by ensembles of the Department of Music. Coordinated and co-hosted by Tufts Symphony Orchestra Music Director Malka Sverdlov-Yaacobi and Tufts Music Department Chair, Prof. John McDonald. Cohen Auditorium, Aidekman Arts Center
Saturday, Oct. 1310 a.m. IntroductionEllie Short, Director of the Parents Program10:15 a.m. Welcome Dr. Lawrence S. Bacow, President of Tufts UniversityKeynote Address"TUFTS UNIVERSITY AMIDST THE WONDER OF AMERICAN HIGHER EDUCATION"Sol Gittleman, Senior Vice President and Provost. Cohen Auditorium, Aidekman Arts CenterSESQUICENTENNIL AT TUFTS4:15-5:15 p.m. President's ReceptionPresident Lawrence S. Bacow and Adele Fleet Bacow welcome parents and family members to Tufts University. Entertainment provided by the Tufts Jazz Band, conducted by Joel Larue Smith, and student a cappella groups-the Amalgamates, Jackson Jills and Beelzebubs.Tisch Library roof and Goddard Chapel stairsRain site: Cohen Auditorium, Aidekman Arts Center
7:15 p.m., 8:30 p.m. Theater PresentationsDrama and Dance Department and Student Organizations - Barbara Grossman, Chair and Associate ProfessorMarston Balch Arena Theater, Aidekman Arts Center
