University Communications and Marketing

October 4, 2015

Contacts:

University Relations, 657-2266- Story by Blair Koch
Interim Dean of Students, Kathy Kotecki, 657-1696

Parent and Family Day is Saturday, October 10. All event are free for students, family and guests.

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Golden leaves are beginning to fall and midterms are right around the corner. That means it’s time for the annual Parent and Family Day.  Headlining a day chock-full of events is an evening at Zoo Montana.

Students may still be adjusting to life at college and this event provides an opportunity to reconnect with parents over an array of activities on campus and in the community.

The casual schedule includes options like Service Saturday, having lunch in the Rimrock Café, exploring Billings and cheering for the men's soccer team while they play Saint Martin's University. The day caps off with MSUB Evening at the Zoo, with dinner provided by Sodexo.

Dinner to be served will be a "taco-in-a-bag" with beef and beans, assorted chips, diced tomatoes, onions, olives, jalapenos, cheese, salsa and sour cream. An assortment of canned beverages and water will also be served. Cookies and brownies will be available for dessert.

All events are free of charge for students, families, and their guests.

Kathy Kotecki, interim dean of students, said having a chance for students to spend time with parents may help keep them enrolled and succeeding in school.

"Research shows the first six weeks is the 'red zone' for retention," Kotecki said, adding that these kinds of family day events helps parents know their students are getting settled into a positive-school routine and that can reap rewards for the rest of the year.

Piggybacking on the event is a gathering by the MSUB Alumni Association, which will be joining current students and their families at Zoo Montana in the evening.
With 12,000 MSUB alums in Yellowstone County alone, the evening festivities may be very well attended.

"The last zoo event was amazing and our alumni came out in droves to support the event," said Director of Alumni Relations Sarah Brockel.

Kotecki is excited about the mix of those who will be attending and said it could solidify the MSUB community with Billings.

"It's a great way to stay connected and blending current students and alumni is a win-win," she said. "Some parents are alumni as well and that adds another dimension of connectivity."

The day is sponsored by several MSUB departments including: Housing and Residence Life, Student Union & Events, Campus Store, Alumni Association, Athletics and Office for Community Involvement. Sodexo is sponsoring dinner.

Event highlights can be found below the break.

PARENT & FAMILY DAY