The time is closer to sunset, the weather is cooling off and Main Quad is becoming more packed, welcoming families for Moms Weekend. People are spending time walking around the campus, having picnics and listening to favorite songs together. 

“I’m thrilled that it’s nice and warm,” said Lynn Zimmer, Illini and Delta Zeta mom. “So we’ve been just walking around campus, getting coffee, probably doing some shopping — it’s Illini wear.”

Meanwhile, life in the sororities becomes even more fun during the next three days. New members of the sororities cannot wait to share their experience of sisterhood with their moms. 

“I’m excited to share with her my sorority,” said Ali Kessler, freshman in Education and Chi Omega member, about her mom.  “(The sorority) became so special to me, so I can’t wait for her to meet everyone that holds a special place in my heart.”

Preparing for Moms Weekend, sororities prepared brunches and fundraising activities with their families. 

“Tomorrow we’re doing a tote bag painting party and a Kendra Scott pop-up, so it’ll be fun and then 20% of that goes to Make-A-Wish,” Kessler said. 

Even though the weekend is called Moms Weekend, the Main Quad is crowded with Illini dads, willing to enjoy this weekend with their children. 

“(My expectations about this weekend are) spending more time with (my daughter) and we are here mostly for the food and for the beverages,” said Dave Harbaugh, Illini dad. 

Some parents coming this weekend are University alumni, wishing to experience college life again — this time with their kids. 

“In my case, my mom came down for Moms Weekend, so it’s pretty surreal to be the mom and not the student,” said Dawn Barry, Illini mom and University ’97 alum. “I want to get some mother-daughter pictures and do some of the things that I got to do as a student.”

However, this weekend not all students are expecting to see their parents, especially out-of-state and international Illini.

“My mom and my family live in Boston,” said Gina Ren, sophomore in Education. “During this weekend I will spend time with my roommate, (and we’ll) have dinner together.” 

This weekend has promising evening programs, both students and their parents can’t wait to see “Grease” performed by Illini Student Musicals. According to the theater’s website, almost all tickets for today’s show are sold out. 

“I am in a musical here, ‘Grease,’ this weekend,” said Amanda Barry, freshman in LAS. “The majority of the time we’ll be spending is seeing me perform.”

After the show today, many Illini moms and students will get a chance to experience real campus nightlife. For more details about bars this weekend, check out The Daily Illini Moms Weekend Bar Preview Guide. 

“We had so much fun last year, and now that Meenah is 21, it should be even more fun!” said Philomena Harbaugh, Illini and Alpha Omicron Pi mom. “We’re gonna go to the Red Lion tonight for ‘F*ck It Buckets,’ and tomorrow we have block at KAMS.’’

This weekend promises to be full of events and fun. Stay tuned for more updates from The Daily Illini throughout the whole Moms Weekend. 

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