Sept. 26, 2019
The annual Family Weekend at Northern Arizona University, taking place Oct. 4-6, provides families a chance to visit their Lumberjack and experience the diversity campus life offers.
Highlights of the weekend start with Casino Night at 7 p.m. in the du Bois Center. On Saturday, the Lumberjack football team takes on Northern Colorado with kick-off at 4 p.m. at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome. Finally, Sunday ends with a performance from the NAU Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. in the Ardrey Memorial Auditorium.
On Saturday, student-led social events include the opportunity to participate in games with NAU Gaming from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cline Library. NAU NAUghty Bits offers an improv performance with family-friendly content from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Cline Library. To finish out the night, the NAU Swing Jacks, in conjunction with Flagstaff Rhythm and Roots, will host a night of swing dancing. A free Lindy Hop lesson starts at 6 p.m. at the Downtown Diner, 7 E. Aspen Ave.
Throughout the weekend, the Recreation Center and Wall Aquatic Center will be free to families at various times if accompanied by an NAU student. The Flagstaff Ski Club is holding its Flagstaff Avalanche Winter Sale all three days at the NAU Fieldhouse. Winter apparel items along with ski and snowboard gear are for sale.
Students can visit the University Union west lawn from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 1-4, to pick up free event tickets, booklets and snacks. Tickets also can be purchased through the Central Ticket Office.
A full list of events, including additional information about selected events, can be found by visiting the website for the Office of the Dean of Students.
Weekend schedule
Oct. 4 – Family Weekend Begins
The Yellow Boat
6 p.m., Studio Theater
“The Yellow Boat” is a theater production based on the true story of Benjamin Saar, who was born with congenital hemophilia. The young boy died at the age of 8 from AIDS-related complications after receiving a transfusion. A cast of eight students tell the story of how the boy coped with the physical and emotional pain through paintings and other works of art. Robert Yowell, theatre professor and director said, “This play with pull ever so gently on your heart strings.” General admission is $18. NAU faculty, staff and seniors (over 65) are $15. Students with any valid college ID and children 18 and under are $11.
Casino Night
7-10 p.m., du Bois Center
The School of Hotel and Restaurant Management will host the 26th annual Casino Night. All family members are encouraged to attend. “Funny money” is used and converted into tickets to wage bets on raffle and silent auction prizes. This year, the event boasts 65 blackjack tables, six roulette, two craps, 12 Texas Hold ‘em, three Pai Gow, three Let-It-Ride tables and bingo games. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and children.
Love is a Plaintive Song
7:30 p.m., Kitt Recital Hall
“Love is a Plaintive Song” follows the story of a girl expressing the ups and downs in her life to her psychiatrist in a way that imitates operatic and musical theatre repertoire. Eric Gibson, lyric theater director said, “Her stories take musical form, including the best fights, love scenes, love triangles and mix-ups known in opera and musical theatre repertoire.” Graduate student Addison Mauro will conduct more than 25 School of Music students and three pianists through the musical works of several classic composers.
Additional performances are 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 6. General admission is $15. NAU faculty, staff and seniors (over 65) are $10. NAU and CCC students with an ID are free.
Oct. 5 – Game Day
Family 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk
6:30-10 a.m., J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome
Registration for the event starts at 6:30 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. Participants are required to register on site and the first 250 people will receive a free T-shirt. Participation in the event is free.
Ultimate Family Fun Zone
9 a.m.-Noon, Central Quad
Residence Life is hosting fun, outside events featuring inflatable rides, yard games and rock climbing. Admission is free.
Recognition of Academic Achievement Ceremony
9:30-11 a.m., Ardrey Memorial Auditorium
President Rita Cheng and NAU academic leaders host a ceremony to recognize undergraduates who have completed 30 academic units as of spring 2019 with GPAs in the top 10 percent of NAU students. Admission is free.
Lumberjack Street Fair (BBQ)
11:30 a.m., Capital Assets and Services Parking Lot
NAU Dining Services will offer tasty street fair food in a relaxed atmosphere prior to the big football game. General admission is $15. Students without a meal plan are $10 and youth are $8.
NAU Football vs. Northern Colorado
4 p.m., J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome
Ticket prices vary by seat and section. Purchases can be made through Ticket Central.
Oct. 6 – Sunday Funday
Lumberjack Family Wake-Up Walk
8-9:30 a.m., J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome
Director of Parent and Family Services, Shannon Clark, offers a casual walking tour of campus Sunday morning. Treats are provided at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 8:30 a.m., rain or shine. The event is free.
Brunch
10 a.m., du Bois Center
Tickets for adults are $15. Youth are $8 and NAU students with a meal plan are free.
NAU Symphony Orchestra
3 p.m., Ardrey Memorial Auditorium
Conducted by Daniel O’Bryant and Elle Sunmin Lee, the NAU Symphony Orchestra will perform Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 8” and Bizet’s “L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2” along with other traditional favorites. General admission is $15. Seniors and employees are $10. NAU students and children 18 and under are free.