Students and Families Gather on Campus for 2024 Oxford Family Weekend

Darleny Cepin, senior associate dean of campus life and chief student affairs officer, shared that “Oxford College Family Weekend is a time of celebration.

A highlight, for me, was watching students and their families reconnect in small and personal ways. I witnessed hugs, smiles, introductions to new friends, and sharing of meals,” she said. “Families experienced, firsthand, our beautiful campus and developed a deeper understanding of how their student is growing personally and academically.”

More than 400 visitors came to campus for activity-packed days and nights and the Oxford community came together for camaraderie, faith observances, and laughter.

Visitors celebrated the Oxford Organic Farm’s 10-year anniversary of making a difference to the community. With tours, tastings, and farm-to-table teaching at this unique working farm, guests enjoyed the bountiful crops and landscape of a one-of-a-kind living laboratory and outdoor classroom.

On Saturday morning, 88 weekenders laced up their sneakers for the 5K Fun Run across campus, followed by the annual lunch picnic on the quad. Visitors participated in choose-your-own-adventure tours and a service project. The Family Weekend Student Showcase on the quad highlighted six talented groups of student actors, singers, musicians, and dancers in a variety of artistic performances. Later, in the Williams Gymnasium, Oxford Men’s Basketball played an exhibition game against Summer Hill Prep.

To experience college alongside their students, guests were invited to attend a mock class taught by Associate Professor of Religion Florian Pohl and interest sessions with subjects as diverse as the classroom-to-career transition and ATLBound. Former Dean of Campus Life Joe Moon returned to host "Oxford College: Why it's the Most Distinctive College in the U.S."

Throughout the weekend, students and guests also toured the Oxford Library special collections and took part in friendly competition during game night and a Zine workshop. This year’s Fall play with performances throughout the weekend was an original production of Soul Samurai by Qui Nguyen.

In her role at Oxford, Dean Cepin focuses on student wellbeing and a deep commitment to helping students find their unique paths. She reflected, “I hope families could see for themselves how our faculty and staff strive every day to ensure our students have the support they need to succeed at Oxford and beyond.”

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