September 17, 2001

Family Weekend, an annual UConn event promising fun for students, their families and the entire University community, will take place Sept. 22 and 23.

The weekend's key events include the 55th Annual Horticulture Show, an all-ages comedy show and a football game against Buffalo. Following the football game, at 4 p.m. on the Student Union Mall, the community is invited to meet Jonathan XII, UConn's new Husky dog. The University's museums will all be open: highlights include an exhibit of faculty artwork at the William Benton Museum of Art and a puppet show at the Ballard Museum of Puppetry. The weekend also features a street fair complete with juggler, unicyclist and live jazz music.

Family Weekend is not only for students and their families. Kevin Fahey, associate director of campus activities and co-chair of Family Weekend, says the weekend is "a date for the family of the entire community." He encourages faculty and staff to bring their families and "experience the excitement of the day."

Parents can learn more about the University's academic opportunities by attending Saturday morning's showcases and open houses at the various schools and colleges. There will be receptions with deans, faculty and students and presentations on topics such as "Engineering Fundamentals".

During Family Weekend the University will host several events tied to its agricultural roots. On Sunday at noon, the new Horsebarn Hill Arena will be dedicated, followed by a women's polo match. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, the 55th Annual Horticulture Show will take place in Ratcliffe Hicks Arena. And on Sunday, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources will host Cornucopia Fest '01 from 10 a.m. to

3 p.m. Cornucopia Fest includes a plant clinic, Global Positioning System Treasure Hunt, and a presentation on biotechnology research.

For further information on Family Weekend events or information on accommodations, call (860) 486-2311 or visit http://www.familyweekend.uconn.edu/.

Brent C. Evans