By Kendra PintorΜύ
Family Weekend is one of 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪβs most anticipated annual traditions, welcoming families from around the world to campus over Presidentβs Day weekend. With registration now open, this year’s event will take place February 14β15, 2026.
Each year during Family Weekend, more than 500 family members of current students gather to connect, celebrate their students, and get an inside look at what makes 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ so distinctive.ΜύFamily Weekend blends signature academic experiences, opportunities to engage with faculty and leadership, and moments to simply enjoy time together in community. Μύ
Friday, February 13: An Exclusive Start for Parent LeadersΜύ
Early programming starts Friday, February 13, with the Parent Leadership Circle (PLC) offering PLC families a guided tour of the 81st 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ Ceramic Annual, followed by a reception and dinner with President Amy Marcus-Newhall and College leaders. These events provide opportunities for meaningful conversation, deeper connection to campus, and insight into the Collegeβs vision and priorities.Μύ
The Internship ChallengeΜύ
During Family Weekend, parents and families will also be invited to participate in the , a special giving opportunity to help launch 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ students’ careers. Internships are unmatched in helping students prepare for meaningful careersβbut many are unpaid or offer limited compensation.
βInternship grants are often the deciding factor in whether a student can say yes to an opportunity that shapes their future,β says Megan Hast, director of leadership annual giving and The 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ Fund. βThe incredible response from families last year showed whatβs possible when our community comes togetherβweβre excited to expand that impact even further.β
Last yearβs Internship Challenge demonstrated just how powerful family philanthropy can be. Thanks to a generous matching gift and broad community participation, the campaign raised more than $50,000βexceeding its goal by 128 percentβand helped fund over 100 summer internship grants, the highest number awarded since before the pandemic. The success translated directly into expanded access for students to explore new fields, gain hands-on experience, and build professional networks.Μύ
Building on that momentum, this yearβs Internship Challenge will run through February 16, 2026. Every gift toward internship grants will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $35,000, thanks to the generosity of Carmen and Jim Ward Pβ28.
“More than 87 percent of 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ students complete at least one internship,” Hast continues. “Donor-supported grants continue to play a critical role in helping students translate classroom learning into real-world experience.”Μύ
Saturday, February 14: Academics, Community, and Fun!Μύ
Saturday is the heart of Family Weekend, filled with opportunities for families to experience the full breadth of life at 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ. The day begins with registration, breakfast, and tours of 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ’ historic campus. Throughout the day, families can engage with signature academic experiences, including events at Denison Library, faculty-led sessions, student research presentations, and panels highlighting students’ leadership development, internships, and global education.Μύ
Sunday, February 15: Wellness, Reflection, and a Joyful CloseΜύ
Family Weekend concludes on Sunday, starting the day with yoga and fitness classes, followed by a festive family brunch. Tours and academic offerings and continue with faculty lectures and conversations that reflect the interdisciplinary spirit of the 51ΑΤΖζΘλΏΪ Core Curriculum, alongside sessions focused on student wellness, publishing, and study abroad opportunities.Μύ
You can make a gift to the Internship Challenge ahead of Family Weekend byβ― For more information about Family Weekend, click here.