Hampshire Welcomes Hundreds to Campus for Family and Friends Weekend
The College was thrilled to host students’ families and friends for a weekend of activity, conversation, and connection.
Over the weekend of October 13–15, Hampshire College hosted more than 400 guests, among them parents of first-year, transfer, and prospective students as well as friends and alums. A variety of programming, from gallery exhibitions to dance performances, was offered to aid in the exploration of the College’s campus, academic model, and array of on-campus resources.
Parents and families were encouraged to get a firsthand look at their students’ academic journeys through open classes, tours, and conversations about study abroad and reproductive justice. In addition, there was a panel discussion on sustainability and the College’s inaugural Climate Action Unbound semester, which will culminate with Hampshire’s Climate Action Plan.
There were also a host of open houses and workshops to attend, from a demonstration of the farm’s cider press at the Center for Design, to a meeting at the Lebrón-Wiggins-Pran Cultural Center, to walking tours of the Hitchcock Center for the Environment and the Hampshire Farm.
On Saturday, in Franklin Patterson Hall, President Ed Wingenbach addressed attendees about Hampshire’s commitment to a radical education and what that means for current students and the College’s dedication to opposing efforts to undermine progressive education. Following his remarks, Wingenbach welcomed questions and engaged with families and friends in a discussion about Hampshire’s educational model, disability justice, and student activism.
The weekend saw many arts experiences, as well: a student-written play, a collaborative dance performance, a show in the Art Gallery, and the premiere of the 2023 Alumni Reel, showcasing the work of alums across the media. Many attendees also took advantage of free entry to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture-Book Art and explored its current exhibitions.
The energy on campus was exciting, and the weekend was full of lively exchanges of ideas and heartfelt moments. The event was a testament to the wide-ranging diversity of interests and talents that thrive here at Hampshire.
View pictures of the weekend’s activities here.
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