HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 8, 2016 – More than 5,000 out-of-town parents and family members came to the city for High Point University’s Winter Family Weekend on Feb. 5-7, and made a substantial impact on the local economy while visiting their HPU students.
Throughout the weekend, families participated in a variety of activities, including a university update with Dr. Nido Qubein, HPU president; faculty lectures; choral and a cappella concerts; a performance by singer/songwriter Stephanie Quayle; women’s basketball game; and worship services.
Marilyn Sherman, known as a Front Row Leadership Expert, also served as HPU’s artist-in-residence during the weekend as she met with and spoke to numerous groups on campus about living life in the front row. Her workshops focused on vision, goal achievement and having a ‘no-more excuses’ mindset.
Over 150 families took part in a service project on Saturday packing 20,500 healthy meals with Feeding Children Everywhere and the HPU Family Weekend Hunger Project.
“We love that HPU families are giving back to the city of High Point this Family Weekend,” said Mike Tuttle, director of parent relationships at HPU. “The Triad Food Pantry and Senior Resources of Guilford County are truly grateful for these meals. This is going to help feed many people in need.”
The event brought an estimated $2,473,237 of economic impact to High Point and the greater Triad as families stayed, dined and shopped at local hotels, restaurants and retail stores.
The economic impact of the university, $465 million annually, is a vital source for businesses in the city.
“The Marriott Team at the High Point Courtyard hotel highly value our partnership we have formed over the years with High Point University,” said Kenneth Lile, general manager for the Marriott. “During event dates throughout the year like Family Weekend, we can expect to be at capacity which benefits not only our hotel, but other community entities. It is our business to be hospitable by welcoming the HPU visitors to our hotel; we sincerely feel and treat them as a part of our family.”
HPU expects thousands more visitors during the month of February as it hosts Presidential Scholars weekends and other community events.