HIGH POINT, N.C., Sept. 26, 2023 – High Point University’s campus and the local community were filled with families for HPU’s annual Fall Family Weekend from Sept. 22-24. The three-day event gives both HPU students and their families time to experience everything the university and city have to offer.
Over the weekend, HPU welcomed more than 8,000 visitors, bringing in millions of dollars to local restaurants, hotels and retail shops.
“HPU’s Fall Family Weekend is a huge economic boost to High Point and the surrounding area as we welcome over 8,000 visitors to our city,” said Melody Burnett, president of Visit High Point. “An estimated economic impact of $2,113,940 will be generated from countywide hotel stays, dining, shopping and transportation. HPU provides a quality experience for their hosted families that trickles down to our local area businesses that extend our warm hospitality.”
During the weekend, HPU families had fun at the Qubein Arena for the Panther Palooza concert, featuring the Australian Bee Gees and a Jimmy Buffett Land Shark tribute band.
HPU families also enjoyed attending the University Update from HPU President Nido Qubein, a Dean’s List reception, the Bergman Family Hillel House dedication, the Workman School of Dental Medicine groundbreaking, student performances and athletic events. Families participated in a 5K family fun run, visited the Nido and Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum and more.
“Life is made of turning points,” President Qubein told families during his University Update, which filled the Hayworth Fine Arts Center and several overflow locations. “Turning points eventually get you to a tipping point, and we are at a tipping point right now. We were at three academic schools, and today we’re at 13 academic schools. The transformation through which we’ve led this university is all coming together to make HPU an exceptional school. We’ll be the only private school in North Carolina to have dental medicine. It costs $150 million to start a dental medicine school. Not everyone can do what HPU can do. It’s remarkable.”
Hannah Parson, president of HPU’s Student Government Association, says Family Weekend is one of her favorite times on HPU’s campus because parents get to enjoy the special HPU experience.
“Students involved in clubs and organizations through SGA get to showcase their hard work and passions through Family Weekend events, traditions and concerts,” said Parson. “Students get to thank their parents for their support and show them what and who makes HPU feel like their home away from home. We love our HPU families!”
HPU also hosts a Family Weekend during the spring semester. See the Spring 2023 Family Weekend by clicking this link.