This year's annual Family and Alumni Weekend chose to center on life as an AU student, according to Dr. Faith Leonard, dean of students at AU.
The weekend began on Friday with open classes and an invitation for parents to eat in TDR for a discounted rate. One emphasis of Friday's events was the Katzen Center, where the exhibits were open all day and tours were offered in the afternoon.
Saturday morning featured a forum with acting President Neil Kerwin, who met with families and alumni. Kerwin spoke about the investigation into former President Benjamin Ladner's expenses and subsequent removal.
"Neil brought the issue up himself; he didn't pretend like Ladner was there," said Kyle Taylor, Student Government president and senior in the School of International Service. "Neil answered all the questions the parents and families had about the Ladner issue."
Dr. Gail Hanson, vice president of Campus Life, said that while "Kerwin's session focused on Ladner, otherwise it hasn't come up over the course of the weekend [with parents]."
According to Dr. Hanson, she believes parents are clearly concerned, but the situation did not dominate the weekend's events. Dr. Hanson called the crowds that had assembled "huge for such a rainy weekend."
Other key events during the course of the weekend included Saturday's Family Service Project, sponsored by the Community Service Center and Alpha Phi Omega, AU's community service fraternity.
Families that participated in the service project went to Brightwood Elementary School in Northwest D.C. to help beautify the school's garden and field areas.
Jennifer Taber, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences and a member of Alpha Phi Omega, said the approximately 10 students and five parents who attended "had a delicious Spanish feast, and all the parents had a very good time."
At Saturday evening's Kennedy Political Union event, former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole addressed parents and students in Bender Arena.
The events concluded on Sunday with a sold-out sparkling cider brunch in the University Club, followed by an a cappella showcase in the Kay Spiritual Life Center.
Ed Davis, a senior in the Kogod School of Business and a member of the all-male a cappella group On a Sensual Note, called the closing event a hit.
"The concert was a success and a lot of fun," Davis said. "We all put a lot of work into a cappella, so it's great when parents can see the final product."
Dr. Leonard saw the weekend as a showcase of what AU has to offer.
"The weekend has been smooth, and extremely well organized," Dr. Leonard said. "Every family I've spoken to has been very pleased"
