It’s that time again; time to welcome all dads to campus.

This weekend is Dad’s weekend, a time where proud U of I fathers come to spend quality time with their children. It is a time where ‘Illinois Dad’ is a common phrase read on T-shirts. It is also a time where many fraternities and sororities on campus coordinate events to bring a warm welcome to all the fathers that are on campus for the weekend.

Dad’s weekend officially starts Friday at 5 p.m., with the Dad’s Weekend Annual Banquet organized by the Dad’s Association. However, many sororities and fraternities have been planning their own events for a while.

Kara Warschausky, sophomore in LAS and member of Alpha Delta Pi, said that her sorority has been planning ways to make Dad’s Weekend unique this year.

“We decided that we would make T-shirts this year, matching shirts for all the daughters and dads,” Warschausky said. “We will also hold a brunch and bags tournament at the house.”

Abby Murphy, junior in Media and member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, said that similar events will be occurring at her sorority.

“We are having a Sunday barbecue for all the Kappa Kappa Gamma dads,” Murphy said. “We are also welcoming all our dads to join us for our block at Joe’s Brewery before the big game.”

Many sororities are holding brunches and dinners for their dads. Kappa Alpha Theta, along with Alpha Chi Omega and Alpha Omicron Pi, are all planning Dad’s Weekend barbecue style lunches and dinners.

Many sororities are also making some sort of attire for the weekend. For example, Alpha Chi Omega will be making long-sleeve shirts for all the girls and their dads and Alpha Omicron Pi will be making Dad’s Weekend shorts. These, thankfully, will be made only for the members of the sorority.

Jess Etzkorn, sophomore in AHS and member of Alpha Omicron Pi, said that her house holds a special event to recognize all of Alpha Omicron Pi dads.

“All the girls in the house write a paragraph about why they think their dad is the best,” Etzkorn said. “Then, the girls pick a winner and they are presented with a gold spatula along with another gift. It’s just a way to be unique.”

Many fraternities and sororities also make banners to hang on the houses and welcome dads. Bill Anderson-Blough, senior in FAA and member of Alpha Kappa Lambda, said that his fraternity will be coordinating Dad’s Weekend activities.

“We are planning on tailgating with all the dads at the AKL house and possibly having a dinner later in the evening,” he said. “We are also making a sign to put outside the house for the weekend.”

Some fraternities, including Delta Chi, hold special ceremonies on Dad’s Weekend.

Abel Rangel, junior in LAS and coordinator of events for Dad’s Weekend for Delta Chi, said that their house gives out scholarships to best in-house GPA during Dad’s Weekend so parents can be present.

Some sororities and fraternities, such as Zeta Beta Tau and Alpha Epsilon Phi, do not have specific events planned for Dad’s Weekend because they host their own parent’s weekend.

Jamie Collins, junior in LAS and member of Alpha Epsilon Phi, said, “Although many dads still coming to visit, we really have nothing special planned for them in the house. We celebrated parent’s weekend instead where we had dinner, tailgating and a dessert party.”