While many students might grimace at the idea of their parents visiting anywhere near campus, Dads Weekend provides the opportunity for students to change that bleak attitude and bond with their families. 

Hosted by the Dads Assocation, Dads Weekend features multiple events throughout campus Friday night to Sunday afternoon to bring families together and celebrate the University.

Dads Association president David Akemann highlighted the paternal attraction of the main events.

“Friday night opens with a friendly welcome reception followed by the boys’ basketball game against Colgate University that will be coach John Groce’s inaugural game for Illinois,” Akemann said. “Friday night also serves as the University’s invitational to the Division I Maui tournament, which will definitely add to the sold-out excitement.”

Although emphasis is on the basketball game against Colgate for some dads, Friday night’s reception has its own unique schedule of events. The association gives awards to numerous members and scholarships to several students. The reception in particular highlights the King Dad award, which crowns one prominent father figure who was nominated by students. 

“All nominations include an essay for why their father figure deserves to be crowned King Dad, and all entries are very heartfelt and moving,” Akemann said. “It’s very difficult to choose one out of the many sincere submissions that call attention to all great dads.”

Lucas Frye’s father was crowned King Dad during last year’s reception. The sophomore in ACES said he was proud to see his dad awarded at the dinner event.

“I’ve had two older brothers attend the University of Illinois, and I felt that my dad deserved something for putting up with us,” Frye said. “He’s helped all three of us achieve our goals and I was glad to see him recognized at an event that was special to dads.”

Saturday’s activities begins with a barbecue cookout and follows with the football game against Minnesota.

There will be a tuition giveaway during the game, with a top prize that covers a student’s tuition for a year, Akemann said. Both the Marching Illini and cheerleaders will also have special performances in honor of Dads Weekend. 

After the football game, the Dads Association will host a concert in Foellinger Auditorium featuring the Beatles tribute band American English, who won Illinois Entertainer of the Year and have been recognized as the best tribute band from multiple publications. 

Events hosted by the Dads Association range in variety to provide multiple opportunities for families to celebrate together and spread Illini pride, Akemann said. In addition to a Sunday brunch to conclude the weekend for the Dads Association, tours are also hosted Friday through Sunday for parents to learn about the campus and grasp a better idea of daily student life. 

“It’s important that people have fun at these events, but there’s a greater hope for a level of appreciation to come from both father and student,” Akemann said.

Frye added to Akemann’s sentiment of Dads Weekend. 

“(Dads) have given a lot of hard work that got you where you are today,” Frye said. “It’s important that we recognize that.”

Although focus for the association emphasizes one specific parent, all family members are readily welcomed. 

“The board meetings might be a little awkward for certain newcomers,” Akemann said. “But the association and weekend are family-oriented.”

While some students aren’t participating in events held by Dads Association, they still plan on spending the weekend with their family.

“My relatives and siblings are coming this weekend along with my dad for me to show them around campus and go out to dinner,” said Tyler Zacker, freshman in Business. “We’re all just looking to have a nice, relaxing time.

Adlai can be reached at [email protected].