Family Weekend Schedule

Registration will be at McGriff Alumni House, georgia avenue

This is your first stop when you arrive on campus! Pick up your name tag—your ticket to all Family Weekend events—and connect with other parents. You'll find water, restrooms, charging stations, and friendly staff on hand to answer any questions.

Registration Hours:
Thursday, Oct. 1, from 2-5 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m.- Noon

Thursday, October 1

1–5 p.m. University Archives Exhibit, YSR: Your Stories, Remembered
University Archives
Exhibit curated by the Public History of Southern Appalachia students in the spring of 2026.

4:30 p.m. Phi Beta Kappa Initiation and Reception
University Archives (next to duPont Library)
Following initiation in the Archives, there will be a reception honoring new members in Harris Commons of Spencer Hall. By invite only.

Friday, October 2

8 a.m.–12 p.m. Have you ever wanted to sit in on a Sewanee class?
Parents are invited to join their student in select Friday morning classes, Oct. 2 only.
Here is the list of available classes.

9 a.m.–noon University Archives Exhibit, YSR: Your Stories, Remembered
University Archives
Exhibit curated by the Public History of Southern Appalachia students in the spring of 2026.

9:15 a.m. Information Session & Campus Tour for Prospective Families
Fulford Hall

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Art Exhibit - Kristine Potter's Dark Waters.
University Art Gallery

noon Chemistry Department Lunch
McClurg Dining Hall (far end of the flag refectory)
The Chemistry Department will host our seminar speaker, alumna Elizabeth Johnson, C’22, for conversation and welcomes any family and friends. 

noon–1 p.m. International Student and Family Gathering
McClurg Balcony
Join the Office of Global Citizenship, Friendship Families, and international student families for lunch to kick off the weekend's festivities.

1 p.m. Chemistry Department Seminar
Snowden 215
Elizabeth Johnson, C'22, will present the Ph.D. research she has been conducting at the University of Virginia.

1 p.m. Tour of Sewanee's Historic Black Cemetery
Meet at Stirling's Coffee House

1–2 p.m. Greek Life Open House
Student Involvement Office, Bishop's Common 119
Have questions about Greek life or the recruitment process? Stop by to connect with staff, learn more about the Greek community, and get answers to your questions.

1–3 p.m. Study Away Open House
Office of Global Citizenship, 143 South Carolina Ave.
Drop by to learn more about the study away process and how to help your student take advantage of the Sewanee Pledge and many other experiential learning opportunities across the globe.

1–5 p.m. University Archives Exhibit, YSR: Your Stories, Remembered
University Archives
Exhibit curated by the Public History of Southern Appalachia students in the spring of 2026.

1–5 p.m. Carlson Listening Room at the Ralston Library Open House
duPont Library, 2nd floor
Come listen to your favorite songs or let the curators surprise you. Enjoy the world's finest audio components surrounded by thousands of LPs and CDs.

1:15 p.m. Information Session & Campus Tour for Prospective Families
Fulford Hall

2–3 p.m. Voice Studio: Guest Artist Masterclass
St. Luke's Chapel
Join the Sewanee Voice Studios as internationally recognized guest soprano Mary Hubbell works with Sewanee students in an open workshop.

2–3 p.m. STEM Open House
Spencer Hall Atrium
Join the science department and learn about different faculty research labs, student organizations and clubs, the herbarium and greenhouse, pre-health support and tutoring.

2–3 p.m. Open House | Carlos Gallery in the Visual Arts Building
This Silence Echoes, an exhibition of felted wool sculptures by Visiting Assistant Professor of Sculpture Abigail Rose Hedley exploring memory, generational folklore, and personal history, will be on view, with Professor Hedley in attendance.

2–3:30 p.m. Faculty Open Office Hours
Here is a list of academic departments and individual faculty who are hosting open houses or office hours during this time.

2–3:30 p.m. Anthropology Department Open House
Archeology Lab, basement of Woods Lab
All anthropology faculty will be available to meet and greet families in the archeology lab during this time.

2–4 p.m. Earth and Environmental Systems (EES) Department Open House
Snowden Atrium
EES faculty representing Environmental Sustainability, Forestry, Geology, and Natural Resources will be available to meet with families and break bread (ie. share snacks) in Snowden.

2:30 p.m. Yoga Classes Conducted in Chinese
Language Resource Center (Gailor 225)
End your stressful week and start your weekend refreshed! You will effortlessly absorb the language as you follow along to a yoga video conducted in Chinese. Mats will be provided.

3–4 p.m. Office of Civic Engagement Meet & Greet
The Hatchett House, 43 Texas Ave.
Join the OCE for snacks and conversation about how Sewanee students engage with and serve communities. Learn about outreach trips, community engagement programs, dialogue facilitation, and service internships.

3–4:45 p.m. Legacy Reception
Gray Terrace behind Biehl Commons
If your student is the child, grandchild, or sibling of a Sewanee alum, please stop by for appetizers and drinks. The terrace will be tented in anticipation of rain!

3–6 p.m. Pet the Goats
University Farm

3:30 p.m. Tennessee Williams Center Tour
Tennessee Williams Center
See the impressive performance spaces and studios, and learn about our university’s remarkable relationship with the legendary playwright our building is named for.

3:30 p.m. Yoga Classes Conducted in French
Language Resource Center (Gailor 225)
Gauche -droite -inspirez -expirez - that's all the French you need to enjoy yoga! End your stressful week and start your weekend refreshed! You will effortlessly absorb the language as you follow along to a yoga video conducted in French. Mats will be provided.

5 p.m. Women's Soccer vs Rhodes College
Puett Field

5 p.m. Vice-Chancellor's Welcome Address
All Saints' Chapel
Sewanee Family Weekend will officially kick off with a welcome address from Sewanee's 18th Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert W. Pearigen. In his remarks, he will share updates on the University's newest initiatives and reflect on the opportunities ahead for Sewanee and our students. As part of this gathering, we will recognize students recently inducted into the Order of the Gown. All students and families are encouraged to attend, and newly inducted students are invited to wear their academic gowns as part of this festive celebration. The welcome address will be livestreamed in Guerry Auditorium for overflow seating. 

5:30 p.m. All-Campus Family Supper
**Spencer Quad (new location due to rain in the forecast; the area will be tented!)
Join us for food, drinks, and live music. This is a signature Family Weekend event, and we encourage all students and families to attend. Don't miss this chance to connect with other families, celebrate, and kick off the weekend together!

5:30–7:30 p.m. Equestrian Team Banquet
Howell Equestrian Center
For family and friends of the equestrian teams.

7–8:30 p.m. Line Dancing Class
Wellness Commons, 203
The Black Student Union is partnering with Fitwell to offer this fun class which is open to everyone. It's $5 if you are not a student, faculty, staff, or a member of Fitwell.

7:30 p.m. Men's Soccer vs Rhodes College
Puett Field

Saturday, October 3

8 a.m. Family Weekend Fun Run 5k
Starts at McGriff Alumni House

9–10 a.m. Opening Doors to Global Business
Carnegie 001
Join Myles Elledge, Director of the Babson Center for Global Commerce, for a brief presentation about business studies at Sewanee. Learn more about the business minor curriculum, the Babson Center's executive briefing events, student engagement opportunities, student business clubs, and the Carey Fellows business honors program.

9–10:30 a.m. Sewanee History & Traditions Walking Tour
Meet in front of All Saints' Chapel
Explore Sewanee's rich history while hearing about beloved traditions, campus legends, and fun facts that bring the Mountain to life. Led by Professor Emeritus of Religion, Dr. Gerald L. Smith, P'15.
**Update: If the weather prohibits a walking tour, Dr. Smith will lead a lively lecture inside the Chapel on the history of Sewanee. Rain or shine, this is an event you don't want to miss!

9–11 a.m. Sewanee Flying Tigers Open House
Sewanee—Franklin County Airport, 262 Airport Rd.
Come enjoy coffee and pastries, see the airplane, fly the simulator, and chat aviation. All are welcome!

9 a.m.–2 p.m. Pet the Goats
University Farm

9 a.m.–4 p.m. Arts & Crafts Fair
Shoup Park near Elliott Hall

9 a.m. Cross Country Meet | Mountain Goat Invitational
Mountain Goat Course (located next to the water tower)
Men race at 9 a.m. and women at 9:45 a.m.

10 a.m. Crew Team Open House
Boathouse at Lake Dimmick

10 a.m.–Noon Greenhouse Brunch
The Chaplain's House, between Phi and Johnson

10 a.m.– Noon Swim & Dive Team Brunch
Fowler Center Patio
For family and friends of the swim and dive teams

10 a.m. (setup)–1 p.m. Pre-game Tailgate
Clark Field (practice football field), corner of Breakfield and Old Farm Road
Reserved tailgate spots may begin setting up starting at 10 a.m., with tailgating running from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The tailgate is open to everyone. Come walk around, enjoy the atmosphere, and meet new friends! 

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Art Exhibit - Kristine Potter's Dark Waters.
University Art Gallery

10:30 a.m.–Noon Babson Center Family Weekend Reception
Gray Terrace behind Biehl Commons
Open to Carey Fellows and their guests.

11 a.m. Field Hockey vs Centre College
Puett Field

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Shakerag Hollow Hike
Meet at Green's View
Explore Shakerag with Forestry and Geology professors from the Department of Earth and Environmental Systems. Please bring water; moderately strenuous.

11 a.m.–1 p.m. New Family Mixer
Javelin Court at the tailgate area
Come meet other families in a casual setting. Whether you are new to Sewanee or have been part of the community for many years, we hope you'll stop by to say hello—or stay for a while! Either way, we can't wait to see you.

1 p.m. Sewanee Football vs. Southwestern University
McGee Field at Harris Stadium

1–3 p.m. Mahjong
McClurg Balcony
Join Jennifer Engel, P'27, instructor and guest experience lead at Heron House Mahjong in Charlotte, for a fun afternoon of American-style mahjong! This session is a great fit for anyone who knows the basics and wants to play. Sign up HERE.

1–5 p.m. University Archives Exhibit, YSR: Your Stories, Remembered
University Archives
Exhibit curated by the Public History of Southern Appalachia students in the spring of 2026.

3–5 p.m. German House Open House
Corner of University Ave & Louisiana Circle
As is tradition, the German House invites one and all to Paint, Pot & Plant! Join us for a favorite fall tradition: paint and decorate your own flower pot, then plant a beautiful fall bloom to take home and enjoy. Come get creative, plant something lovely, and celebrate the season with us! No German? No problem! All are welcome!

4 p.m. Guild of Change Ringers Open House
Breslin Tower (Convocation Hall)
Take a tour of Breslin Tower to see the University Clock and the Bentley Change Ringing Bells in action.

5 p.m. Shapard Tower Carillon Tour
All Saints’ Chapel (meet by the grand piano, front right of chapel)
Join carillon player Michael Thompson for a climb of 13 floors and 26 steps for a bird's-eye view—a heads up that the climb involves heights, so plan accordingly.

Sunday, October 4

8 a.m. Holy Eucharist
All Saints' Chapel

9:30 a.m–10:30 a.m. Clergy Family Coffee
Convocation Hall
A casual Sunday morning gathering for clergy parents and their Sewanee PKs to connect over coffee.

11 a.m. University Service (Eucharist with Choir)
All Saints' Chapel

11 a.m. Women's Soccer vs Millsaps College
Puett Field

noon–5 p.m. Trail Construction Day, New Lost Cove Trail
Meet at Natural Bridge
Sponsored by the Office of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability and the Friends of the Parks, this event is part of a series aimed at completing Sewanee's newest trail. Learn more HERE and register HERE!

1 p.m. Guest Voice Recital by Mary Hubbell and Vicki Collinsworth 
St. Luke's Chapel

1:30 p.m. Men's Soccer vs. Millsaps College
Puett Field

5 p.m. Catholic Mass
Chapel of the Apostles

6:30 p.m. Growing in Grace Worship Service
All Saints' Chapel

Events Around Campus

• Bookstore Pop-up - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at McGriff Alumni House Lawn
• Information sessions and campus tours for prospective students are available through the Admissions Office.
• Saint Andrew's Sewanee School will have admissions staff on hand at various times throughout the weekend to answer questions. Campus tours are also available by contacting the Admissions Office.
• The NAACP Sewanee Student Chapter is sponsoring a toy drive. Bring a new or gently used toy, game, or book to help the children in our community. Drop off locations will be available throughout the weekend at Stirlings, Biehl Commons, and the Bishop's Common. Learn more HERE.
• Following the Aug. 26 glacier collapse in Nepal, Sewanee's six Nepali students are raising relief support with backing from the SGA, Order of the Gown, SAAC, and IFC/ISC. Visit their table at McGriff during Family Weekend to learn more and donate via QR code to Nepal's Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund, the government's official channel for flood relief.