September’s Family Weekend and SNC Day are highlights of the school year. An experienced St. Norbert parent weighs in on must-do activities.

Mark Your Calendars for Family Weekend and SNC Day

Melanie Senerchia, mother of Samuel Senerchia ’19, will participate in her fourth Family Weekend and SNC Day this Sept. 21-23. Here, she passes on her top tips for getting the most out of this special occasion.

Our first time attending Family Weekend/SNC Day was when our son, Sam, was a first-year student. Naturally, Sam wanted to hang out with his new friends, but, thankfully, he introduced us to the other “stranded” parents. LOL. Fortunately, that day we met lifelong friends and collectively became specialists at enjoying every aspect of Family Weekend/SNC Day. Here are some of my recommendations on how to best enjoy the festivities. 

First, book your hotel accommodations early. Our favorite place to stay is the Kress Inn on campus, and we typically book our rooms for the following year as we are checking out. If the Kress is full, any of the hotels near campus are nice, and with Uber you can leave the driving to someone else.  

Second, try EVERYTHING! Start the day with the Don Schneider Memorial 5K Challenge Run along the Fox River. Don’t feel intimidated, as it’s more a fundraiser than a race – and I proudly come in last every year. Next, secure a grassy spot by the stage set near the river, where you can tailgate while enjoying the all-day music and awesome views of the river. Tailgating gives you the opportunity to hang out with your kids and their roommates, and to reconnect with their parents. Sam and his friends always request their favorite homemade treats, so all of the parents bring a dish to share. We visit, listen to the amazing bands, and play some catch or tag football. 

After you have set up your tailgating spot, walk through the beautiful campus, stop and eat from the delicious food trucks, shop the tents of the local artists, buy some SNC spirit wear, support a few of the student organizations as they collect for worthy causes, take a boat ride*, go for a Segway tour, play volleyball, visit old St. Joe’s Church, and then go back to your grassy spot to enjoy your treats while listening to the live music.

Finally, repeat all of the above steps. Or don’t. That’s another great thing about this day – there is no pressure to be anywhere or do anything at any certain time.   

Sadly, this year will be our last Family Weekend/SNC Day as parents of a student. But, happily, we will be attending next year as parents of an alumnus.   

Let Alumni & Parent Relations know you’re coming and register for Family Weekend!

*Get your boat ride tickets as soon as you arrive, as they sell out quickly.


Aug. 16, 2018