The fifth annual Family Weekend drew more than 750 parents, family and friends.

One of the more popular events was the parent shadow program, which allowed parents to follow their child to classes on Friday.

“Parents are a very important part of our campus community,” said Trish Moser, director of alumni and parent relations and organizer of Family Weekend.

The events during the weekend allow parents to learn about campus opportunities such as the study abroad program and recent campus successes and initiatives, according to Moser.

Another event for visitors this year included various lectures such as “New Orleans People and Places,” presented by associate professor of history Mark Fernandez; “The State of the Music Industry, and Its Future,” presented by John Snyder, Conrad N. Hilton Eminent Scholar in Music Industry Studies; and “A Loyola Business Education – Not Just In The Classroom,” presented by several College of Business faculty members.

Cultural activities new to this year’s program were Loyola Day at the ballpark, in which Loyola played rival Spring Hill, and a dinner on the famed Natchez Steamboat.

Family and friends who participate in Family Weekend also support Loyola’s annual parent fund that will enable Loyola to supply 30 classrooms each with a fully equipped laptop and storage cart. – Jenna Harris