Experience College Life with your Grandchild!
We invite grandparents (or other senior adults who fill a grandparent role) to come on campus and enjoy a special day at Northwestern. We know quality time with your grandchild is a precious commodity. Not only will you have the opportunity to spend time with your Northwestern student, but you will get to step into their world and experience what their college life looks like!
The day begins with pastries, coffee, and a welcome from Dr. Hoornbeek and Parent Engagement. Then you will have the opportunity to attend chapel before choosing your own adventure from a bunch of afternoon options including breakout classes, a photo booth, campus tours, a hymn sing, and more. The day closes with a performance from the UNW Men's Con Brio Chorus.
We hope you join us for what promises to be a wonderful day!
When: April 24, 2024 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: $20 per person
Scheduled Activities
The 2023 event schedule is below. The 2024 schedule is subject to improvement as we plan for this year!
| Time | Event | Location | |
| 8:30–9:00 a.m. | Check-In & Refreshments - Signs, staff, and shuttles will lead you our check-in table. | Billy Graham Community Life Commons | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome Session - Northwestern leadership is excited to welcome you to campus! Worship together, learn about the school, and sign up for various activities. | Billy Graham Community Life Commons | |
| 10:00 a.m. | Meet Up with Your Grandchild - Your grandchild will greet you outside and lead you to Chapel. | Billy Graham Community Life Commons Lawn | |
| 10:30–11:15 a.m. | Attend Chapel - Hear a Biblical message from the speaker of the day. Chapel is a big part of campus life at UNW and we want you to experience it firsthand! | Knight Performance Hall | |
Lunch | Lunch - Each grandparent will receive a ticket for lunch. Go through the cafeteria line and have lunch with your student. Our chefs prepare a variety of dishes each day to suit many dietary needs. | Billy Graham Community Life Commons | |
| Afternoon
Options | Attend a Class - While students go to their classes, you can attend a class geared toward YOU. We’ll have several different breakout options for you. | Nazareth Great Room | |
| Hymn Sing – It’s not every day you have the opportunity to sign hymns in the beautiful Nazareth Chapel. Grandparents pick the hymns! | Nazareth Chapel | ||
| Tours - We will have a few tours available throughout the day. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the KTIS radio station or view our 100-year-old chapel, or have your grandchild take you on a tour of campus. | KTIS, Nazareth Chapel | ||
| Photo Booth - Don't forget to snap a picture with your student! Grab a school-spirit themed prop and strike a pose to remember the fun day you shared. | Billy Graham Community Life Commons | ||
| 2:30 p.m. | Refreshments and Gift Table - Stop in the Nazareth Chapel Lobby for refreshments and receive your gift from Alumni and Parent Engagement. | Nazareth Chapel Lobby | |
| 3:00–3:45 p.m. | Concert by UNW Con Brio Men's Chorus - Our talented students will bless you with music to close the day. | Nazareth Chapel | |
| 4:00 p.m. | Head for Home! |
Can Parents Come, Too?
Please note, Grandparents Day is a special day for students and their grandparents or grand relatives. Additional guests will only be admitted if you require mobility assistance. We will have a small number of wheelchairs available in each building, if you find yourself in need of one. We will offer golf cart and shuttle van rides to event locations around campus for the duration of the day. Parents and families, we are in the process of planning a special event just for you as part of Homecoming Day in the fall.
Arriving On Campus
Signs will direct you to our lower lot near the Riley and Billy Graham Community Life Commons buildings. Staff members will greet you at the door and lead you to the check-in table. If overflow parking is needed, we will provide shuttle rides to Check-in.
What to Bring
We suggest you come prepared with a jacket as April weather in Minnesota is a little unpredictable, and good walking shoes to ensure comfortability as you make your way around campus.
Questions?
Contact Cassie Plantage at:
651-631-5227 or parents@unwsp.edu