Pittsburg State hosts Family Day

Everybody and their dog were on the Pittsburg State University campus Saturday to celebrate Family Day.

Activities actually started with game night with board games and snacks from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at Axe Library. Saturday started with a 5K fun run and then a brunch for students and families hosted by President Steve Scott in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom, Overman Student Center.

“President and Mrs. Scott were both there to meet everybody, then there was a panel discussion with campus representatives to give parents a glimpse of their students’ experience here,” said Meagan Smejdir, program coordinator for Campus Activities.

A variety of family fun activities were held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Cleveland Plaza, and Smejdir said that, in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, there was partnership with the PSU Office of Student Diversity to include Dia de la Familia (Day of the Family) celebrations.

Gloria Lopez, PSU sophomore and president of Hispanics of Today, said that the activities included piñatas and Loteria, which she said is a popular Mexican game similar to bingo.

“At every event we have piñatas,” she said. “I haven’t played Loteria in a long time, but some people are committed to it.”

Her own family came down from Kansas City for Dia de la Familia, including mother Susana Lopez, sister Jessica Lopez, little sister Elizabeth Lopez, little brother Antonio Lopez and puppy Candy.

“We try to come here as often as we can to support Gloria,” Jessica Lopez said.

“The little kids love it here, and Candy does too,” added Susana Lopez.

Her daughter Gloria said that she believes PSU is a good place to be.

“Diversity has grown a lot on campus,” she said as she laid the Loteria cards out in preparation for the games. “It has grown a lot in the last year, and I like that a lot.”

Eileen D. McCoy, a caricature artist from Kansas City, was also present to do family caricatures. She had a little trouble at first finding a place to work that was sheltered from the wind, but wasn’t concerned about it.

“We’ll make it work, we always do,” she said. “I’ve been doing this for 35 years.”

Her first subjects of the afternoon were Eva and Ted Christensen, Overland Park, and grandson Ty Horveath, a PSU freshman.

“This was No. 1 on our list of things to do,” Mrs. Christensen said.

Actually, the first thing they when they arrived on campus was head to Gibson Dining Hall for the discounted meal that was offered from noon to 1 p.m. for visiting families.

“The food there is always good, fresh-tasting and nutritious,” Mrs. Christensen said.

The family also liked their caricature portrait, which featured all three of them.

“The lines are simple lines, but the artist does it so well,” Ted Christensen said.

Coming from Phoenix, Ariz., were Kim and Guy Jirrels. Their son, David, is a PSU sophomore.

“This is our second Parents Day, and it’s been awesome,” Guy Jirrels said. “I think what impresses me most is just the campus. It’s a great campus and well laid-out.”

He also likes what he’s seen of Pittsburg.

“Everybody in the stores, in the community, has been very nice,” Jirrels said.

He and his son are also very happy with the school.

“David went to high school in Chandler, Ariz., and he picked Pittsburg State,” Guy Jirrels said. “It’s been a good fit for him.”

His son is majoring in wood technology, had an opportunity to represent PSU at a conference in Atlanta and believes that his studies will prepare him for a successful career.

“Our job placement rate for graduates is 100 percent,” David Jirrels said.

Following the Cleveland Plaza activities was GorillaFest in Gorilla Village, east of Carnie Smith Stadium. There were more free games for youngsters  and seven vendors offering tailgate food.

The PSU Alumni Center also had activities and a tailgate buffet for those who registered in advance.

“We had 130 people sign up,” said Megan Swafford.

Concluding the day was a pep rally led by the Pride of the Plains Marching Band and the PSU Spirit Squad, followed by the Gorillas-Lincoln University football game.