WT Family Weekend Set for Oct. 25 to 27

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University will celebrate its Family of the Year during upcoming Family Weekend festivities.

Family Weekend runs Oct. 25 to 27. Pre-registration is not required; check-in locations are available online.

Students have nominated their loved ones for Family of the Year via short essays. Winners will be announced during an invitation-only brunch at 9 a.m. Oct. 26.

“The Family of the Year Award allows students to recognize family members that have gone above and beyond in supporting their student to reach their educational goals,” said Amanda Lawson, senior director of orientation and academic success for WT. “Buff Families play an important role in our WT community. Without their support and encouragement, many students would not have the resources and motivation to continue in their academic careers.”

Family Weekend activities will include opportunities to meet faculty members, attend WT soccer and volleyball games, and take part in the Countdown to Kickoff Block Party tailgating events before WT’s game against the University of Texas–Permian Basin in Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium.

Registered families also can take advantage of free admission to Virgil Henson Activities Center, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

“We hope many of our families will be able to participate in this year’s events,” Lawson said. “During Family Weekend, loved ones can spend time with their student on campus, meet their friends and really see what Buff life is like.”

The 2023 winner was Ashley Bell, nominated by daughter Isabella Van Stavern. Family of the Year awards have been given since 2017. Winners are chosen by a committee of staff members.

A commitment to family is a key WT value cited in the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 58 undergraduate degree programs, one associate degree, and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—