It was 86 years ago this fall when President Hugh Critz made the Second District Agricultural School just the second institution in the country to host a Dad’s Day event on its campus.
The school has evolved to become Arkansas Tech University and the event has evolved to become Family Day, but the intentions behind that first event — to offer appreciation to the parents of Tech students and provide everyone with an enjoyable day on campus — are the same today as they were in 1924.
“Family Day is an opportunity for all the moms, dads and families to come back and see their students now that they have had a little while to adjust to college life,” said Dr. Gary Biller, vice president for student services at Arkansas Tech. “They meet their students’ roommates and the other new people that their students have become acquainted with on campus. More than anything, it’s about incorporating the families of our students into the Tech family and making them feel welcome on our campus.”
Family Day 2010 activities for the general public will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday on Centennial Plaza, which is located just outside Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field.
The Family Day football game between Arkansas Tech and Henderson State is scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff. One of the highlights of Family Day 2010 will be a 3 p.m. concert by Cody Slaughter and Tony Witt, two award-winning Elvis Presley tribute artists.
Slaughter performs the hits from the 1950s that made Presley “The King,” while Witt focuses on the songs that brought Presley back to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Other pre-game activities will include face painting, inflatable bump-and-jump games and discount coupons at the Arkansas Tech Bookstore.
Chartwells will serve a picnic-style buffet at Centennial Plaza for $5 between 4:30-6 p.m. Half-price tickets to the football game will be available at the Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field ticket office from 3-5 p.m.
The Arkansas Tech Alumni Association will be on hand to provide 500 spirit buttons for Tech fans. They will be available under a tent just outside the entrance to Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field.
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