Last February, more than 90 St. Norbert College juniors and their parents participated in Junior Knights and Days (JKD). JKD is a weekend that invites all juniors’ parents to the St. Norbert College campus to see what their student has been up to the past three years. As juniors are confident in their roles at the college, the weekend provides them with an opportunity to spend time with their parents and show them what life at St. Norbert is all about.

Mary Fliss attended JKD with her husband, John, and their daughter, Kristina. She reflects on her experience with JKD: 

What impact did the educational programs have on you? 
The educational program we attended was interesting. It has been a long time since John and I were in college and we both really appreciated the presentation. My thoughts afterward were that it would be nice to take a college class again. I hope the students taking classes at St. Norbert make the most of their time with their professors.

Did JKD help you understand St. Norbert College through your daughter Kristina's perspective? 
JKD was an opportunity to understand why St. Norbert students and graduates love their school. The presentations were great, but going to Mass and stopping in at a basketball game gave us a real feel for the campus. We have visited before on Family Weekend, but we really felt a part of the school at JKD.

What was the most memorable moment of the weekend?  
What I remember most of the weekend was the Mass on Saturday night. It was so cold outside and dark by the time we got to church. Once inside it was warm and welcoming. Sitting together with other parents and their adult children, listening to a full church pray together and sing was moving. Knowing that in one short year my daughter will be on her own, possible away from family, definitely away from the security of school, a lot went through my mind. It was nice to know that at St. Norbert she was supported in her beliefs and given the tools to live a good life.

Do you have any advice for parents who are planning on attending JKD in the future? 
Make your reservations early and clear your calendar to stay the weekend. We thought we were going to support Kristina and get insight into her life at St. Norbert. The reality of the weekend was that we met a lot of really nice people, students, parents and teachers. We had a great time and are so glad we didn’t miss it.

Mark your calendars! Junior Knights and Days 2009 is scheduled for February 20-22. For more information, visit www.snc.edu/parents/jkd/.