URGENT UPDATE: East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes over 1,000 visitors for its annual Family Weekend, taking place from Friday to Sunday in Marshall, Texas. The event aims to strengthen bonds between students and their families, showcasing the vibrant community at ETBU.
Director of Student Life, Laura Coursey, expressed the importance of this weekend, stating, “Our hope for Family Weekend is that our students’ cups are filled and their parents experience all the good that their child has been telling them about.” The weekend is characterized by enhanced community connections, fostering a sense of belonging among the extended Tiger family.
The festivities commenced on Friday evening with the popular Gather at the Grove, featuring live music, lawn games, and food trucks. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including pickleball, sand volleyball, and basketball, culminating in a captivating Family Weekend Game Show performance by the BGB Improv Troupe. As night fell, families gathered for the much-anticipated Movie Night Under the Stars at Taylor Field.
In a heartwarming note, Jim Brown, father of freshman Reagan Brown, shared, “The best part has been meeting her friends and their families.” His wife, Patty Brown, added, “It makes us feel so much more comfortable knowing she’s surrounded by people who love her and love God.”
Saturday’s events kicked off with the Small Business Saturday Market and Brunch Bar, where families indulged in an array of breakfast options while browsing local vendors showcasing baked goods, crafts, and beauty products. The day continued with a Family Worship session at Baker Chapel, followed by a Tiger Family Lunch in the dining hall, giving families a chance to connect with their students’ professors during the Family and Faculty Connection event.
As the sun set, excitement built for the Family Tailgate ahead of the highly anticipated ETBU Tiger Football Game against Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
Senior Vice President for Campus Life, Ryan Erwin, emphasized the significance of Family Weekend, stating, “It’s a chance to walk alongside them, celebrate the ways their students are growing and thriving, and rejoice together in the Christ-centered community that makes ETBU feel like home.”
This weekend is not just an event; it’s an opportunity for families to engage with the university and witness firsthand the thriving community their children are part of. As activities unfold throughout the weekend, families are encouraged to participate and share their experiences, making this a memorable occasion for all involved.
Stay tuned for more updates as Family Weekend continues to unfold, bringing joy and connection to the ETBU family.