Family Day 2009
Family Day began in the morning of Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, with registration in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center. After participants completed registration they traveled downstairs to be greeted by Chancellor Dubois and his wife Lisa Lewis-Dubois, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Art Jackson and UNC Charlotte’s dance team, the Gold Dusters, before entering the Chancellor’s Breakfast.
At the Chancellor’s Breakfast, attendees ate delicious food and the entertainment portion of the breakfast began. Student Body President Tim Ernst kicked off the breakfast with a greeting to the crowd. Tim then introduced the Gold Dusters who gave a phenomenal dance performance and excited the crowd. After the performance, Mrs. Dubois and Norm the Niner joined Ernst on stage to draw tickets for the first giveaways of the morning. At the conclusion of the giveaways, Ernst introduced Chancellor Dubois.
Chancellor Dubois greeted guests and provided an “insider’s update” on the future state of UNC Charlotte in light of the economic downturn and North Carolina budget shortfalls. Chancellor Dubois’ reassured the crowd with an outlook that was very optimistic. At the conclusion of Chancellor Dubois remarks, he answered questions from the audience. The program also included Dr. Arthur Jackson who spoke about the purpose of the Family and Parent Program. His message was one of community and support as he encouraged parents and families to be involved in their student’s collegiate career and well-being.
Ernst, along with Norm the Niner, returned to the stage to give away the big prize of the morning which was a semester of free tuition. Kesha Williams, Coordinator for Parent Programs, then thanked attendees and gave them an overview of the remainder of the day.
After the breakfast parents and families had the opportunity to attend three exciting events which included: the Venture program’s high ropes course, the Motorsports and Automotive Engineering Programs’ Motorsports Laboratory, or the Atkins Library’s Gateway to the World: International Coffee Sampling Exhibit.
After the conclusion of Family Day’s morning events, guests were shuttled to the “Big Tent”. The tent was prime location for a great view of the Homecoming Parade. The Homecoming Parade’s 22 participants delighted the crowd with their creative floats.
At the parade’s conclusion, Family Day participants entered Niner Nation Family’s Family Day tent for lunch. After the lunch, families had the opportunity to attend various 49er tailgate activities. The tailgate party concluded at 2:30 to provide fans enough time to travel to Halton Arena for the Charlotte 49ers Men’s Basketball game against George Washington University.
Families then enjoyed the North Carolina Dance Festival where they saw performances by eight dance companies in the Belk Theater.
