The pandemic forced Family and Friends Weekend to turn virtual this fall, and the Student Events and Orientation Programs staff rose to the challenge, creating a series of events matching the weekend's theme, "Tell Us Something Good."

The weekend included a virtual State of the University presentation with President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., and Provost and Chief Academic Officer Glenn Sulmasy, J.D. L.L.M.; a discussion with Vice President of Student Affairs Inge-Lise Ameer, Ed.D.; and a discussion with Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Kevin Martins, Ed.D. Student organizations, the Bryant Players, and Orientation Leaders recorded videos that shared highlights of this unprecedented semester.  

“We felt strongly about keeping the traditions of the weekend alive even if we cannot be physically together."

“We were excited to transform Family and Friends Weekend to a mostly virtual setting so we could still invite family members into the Bryant community,” said Jess Raffaele, Director of Student Events and Orientation Programs. “We felt strongly about keeping the traditions of the weekend alive even if we cannot be physically together."

For the 27th year, the annual Duck Race took place on the Bryant pond, but with a first – it was streamed on Facebook. The event raised more than $4,000 toward the Class of 2021’s Senior Week. Other events included virtual Big Bingo, trivia, and a spirit week leading up to the weekend.

“This was a way to strengthen the connection between Bryant and the families of our students,” Raffaele said. “We wanted them to be informed and feel like they are just as much a part of the campus community even from a distance."