2024 Family Weekend Brings Fun, Festivities, and Football

Oct 4, 2024
A photo of Nestor the Owl with his hands raised in celebration for the 2024 Family Weekend event!

This Family Weekend was the largest the University has seen since the initial shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Westfield State University came alive with excitement from September 19-21, as 738 attendees gathered for the 2024 Family Weekend. As the largest Family Weekend since COVID-19 began shutting universities down across the nation, the campus atmosphere was palpable and buzzing with energy, and events filled every corner, creating experiences that students and their families won’t soon forget.

The festivities kicked off on Thursday night with the Fall Pep Rally, where 150 people gathered to cheer on University athletes and enjoy some lighthearted games. Organized by Westfield State Athletics, the rally set the tone for the weekend and was filled with school spirit, laughter, and a overall sense of wellbeing. 

A family all in dark blue Owl merchandise as part of the 2024 Family Weekend event. Several family members cheer on their new student by wearing official Owl merch.
Cheering on their new Owl!

Friday night saw even more excitement as the Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted a fun-filled evening featuring ice cream, mini-golf, and bowling. Despite a looming rainstorm that moved the event indoors, nearly 350 people attended, and the high energy never waned, generating a crisp and lighthearted environment until later in the evening.

By Saturday, the weather cleared, giving way to a perfect day for outdoor festivities. Families enjoyed an exhilarating football game, followed by the lively blues and BBQ Festival on the main campus green. Highlights of the day included an Alpine Slide attraction and activities for all ages, while Dining Services delighted guests with a BBQ feast and the crowd-pleasing Apple Betty dessert. The campus green was filled with smiles and laughter as families reveled in the festivities.

Three women students from the 2024 Family Weekend celebrations. Two are wearing elaborate balloon-art crowns on their heads while another holds a balloon-art green and yellow flower.
Fun all around! 

“To the parents, families, and friends of our students, I want to express my genuine appreciation and share a warm thank you for taking the time to attend Family and Champions Weekend,” Matt Dellea, Director of Student Involvement, Activities, and Leadership (SAIL) said. “I was thrilled to host you and your loved ones for a weekend full of fun and laughter with your students. Your presence and involvement this weekend, whether at Mini-Golf, Football, Blues Festival, or Bingo, made the event all the more special. I hope you and your family had an enjoyable time at Westfield State.”

Matt Crusha ‘27, an education major, echoed Dellea’s sentiments, commenting, ”Having my family attend during family weekend was amazing because of how much I appreciate their company.”

The Westfield State Owl Football team on the 2024 Family Weekend football game. Lines of students in their dark blue uniforms jog out after being introduced.
The Westfield Owl Football team.

Dellea also thanked those who had a hand in making sure the weekend and its activities with smoothly. “I want to share my appreciation for all of the employees in Facilities, Dining, and Media Services,” he added. “The work done behind the scenes for a successful event is vital to our success and it is important for you to know it doesn't go unnoticed. It's weekends such as this that make me proud to be an Owl.”

To relive the magic of Family Weekend, check SAIL’s video recap here.