Spring Family Weekend at HPU draws 8,000 guests, and three Presidential Scholarship weekends bring 6,000 visitors.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 19, 2025 – High Point University welcomed more than 14,000 visitors to the city throughout the last month for several events, including three Presidential Scholarship weekends and Spring Family Weekend. The influx of visitors to the area generated an estimated $4.2 million in local economic impact for the city of High Point and Piedmont Triad region.
“HPU brings an economic boost to our city during the winter months with impactful events throughout January and February,” Visit High Point President Melody Burnett said. “HPU Presidential Scholars Weekends, HPU Family Weekend and other events, attract more than 14,000 visitors with an economic impact of $4.2 million. Our area restaurants, hotels, and retail enjoy this influx of business during a normally soft season in their calendar.”
Spring Family Weekend – 8,000 Visitors
The university welcomed approximately 8,000 guests for HPU’s Spring Family Weekend from Feb. 7-9. HPU families enjoyed hearing a University Update from HPU President Nido Qubein and attending a variety of events, including a Dean’s List reception, an HPU men’s basketball game, dance and choral concerts, and Culp Planetarium shows. They also took campus walking tours and went ice skating on HPU’s ice rink.
“HPU’s Family Weekend is an excellent opportunity for families to experience everything the university and city has to offer while participating in a weekend of fun and memorable activities,” said Melissa Anderson, vice president for university events. “Families get to experience firsthand their students’ favorite places on campus and in town, meet their friends and their families, and learn more about available resources and opportunities that make HPU so extraordinary.”
Hundreds of parents responded to HPU’s requests for feedback about Spring Family Weekend, including their favorite activities while in town besides spending time with their students. They listed eating at off-campus restaurants and visiting local retail centers among their favorite things to do when visiting High Point.
Joe and Lisa Price’s two sons completed their undergraduate degrees at HPU in 2022 and 2024, and they then enrolled in graduate school at the university. Joey Price earned his Communication and Business Leadership (CBL) graduate degree in 2023, and Chris Price will graduate with his CBL degree in May. This will be the fourth consecutive year that a member of the Stamford, Connecticut family is recognized at HPU’s Commencement.
“Thank you for many years of wonderful memories with the kids and some very cool adult friendships,” said Lisa Price. “We have totally grown to love the community and High Point University and will miss our visits.”
Presidential Scholars Weekends – 6,000 Visitors
Three Presidential Scholarship Weekends recently attracted 2,000 visitors each to campus, said Christian Heimall, HPU’s director of guest experiences. These are the largest Presidential Scholars events in HPU history and welcome accomplished high school students to campus to interview for potential scholarship increases.
HPU also hosted 325 people on Jan. 11 for Admitted Students Day, and the Admissions office hosts 50-100 students on most weekends, said Dr. Kerr Ramsay III, senior vice president for enrollment.
