Parents and students bond at UNCP

By Carol Franch
Senior Photo Editor

Students had the opportunity to enjoy the company of their parents the weekend of Oct. 7.

Many festivities were held in the U.C. including over 20 booths from various organizations from around the campus. One of the many booths featured was for the African-American Student Organization (AASO.)

“The AASO exposes parents and students to our organization and promotes African-American culture and the programs we sponsor,” AASO Vice President Tyleisha Hunt said.

Photo contributed by Liz Armstrong Soft rock band Air Supply groupies (from left, front row) Ryan Kelly, Chris Frease and PJ Gajda hang out with frontmen (from left, back row) Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell after the show

UNCP’s Spirit of the Carolinas Marching Band entertained students and their families in front of the U.C. on the afternoon of Oct. 8.

Following the band’s performance, a drawing, sponsored by the bookstore, was held in the U.C. lounge. Various prizes were awarded such as spirit bags, UNCP baseball caps, T-shirts and other Pembroke memorabilia. Freshman Mike Sander took home the grand prize of free room and board for the spring semester.

From 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. there were several fun activities in the auxiliary gym.

There were laser battles inside the “Ultimate Laser Arena.” The enclosed arena was 40 feet by 40 feet complete with strobe lights, fog and barriers where opponents and allies could conceal themselves.

Show Manager Todd Ryder said that the arena had been full of participants almost the entire afternoon.

There was a “Fast Pitch” game where people could clock their pitches.

“1 on 1 Basketball” let contestants shoot some hoops. Two people connected by a bungee cord tug against each other determined to get the ball in the basket at opposite ends of the inflatable court.

“The Amazing Fantasy Photo Globe” allowed attendees to be their favorite celebrity, athlete, model or fantasy character by digitally placing their face into the desired background.

Parent’s Weekend wrapped up with the Air Supply concert in GPAC at 8 p.m. Oct. 8.