Students brought their families to campus to enjoy activities and snacks at the university’s Family Festival on Saturday, Sept. 10.

The event was hosted by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and was held on the front lawn, outside of the Music and Communications building. The festival included inflatable games, cotton candy, drinks and airbrush tattoos. It was free to attend for CSU students and their guests. 

The event was helpful to students who are still getting used to living on campus.

“Even though I don’t live that far out it’s still a little nerve-wracking to be here as a freshman away from home,” Eden Scigliano, a film and media major, said. “So to be able to have my family come in and have a good time with something the school organized is really cool.”

For parents like Eden’s father, Jamie Scigliano, the Family Festival provided a reason to visit their children at CSU.

“This was an opportunity for me to come to CSU to see Eden,” Jamie Scigliano said. “It was a little bit of a drive but well worth it.” 

For those whose family members were unable to attend, like international student Jesse Ndjeka, the event provided an opportunity to get to know others on campus. 

“From an international students perspective everyone on campus is your family,” Ndjeka, a junior psychology major, said. “It’s a nice way to connect with new people you haven’t seen before. Familiar faces, new faces, everyone’s been friendly and accepting.” 

CAB believes it is important for CSU students to stay connected with loved ones while away at college. It hopes to continue providing opportunities for families to stay connected during the school year.

“It’s good for families to see the environment their kids are staying in,” said Tyrese Rushton, chair of CAB After Dark. “Some students are coming from more rural areas and are not used to a downtown city, it’s kind of good for them to still have intimate things where their families can come and do stuff.”