The October 17 kick-off to Bobcat Weekend, which drew over 4,200 attendees, pumped up the positive vibes as families and students reunited to enjoy lawn games, student performances, great giveaways, upbeat music, crisp apple cider and a spread of candy and snacks worthy of family movie night.

“Bobcat Welcome is the first big welcome of Bobcat Weekend. It’s a high-energy event with games, performances and more to kick the weekend off as soon as folks check in,” said Associate Director of Recreation and event organizer Kaylee Laing.

Guests were also treated to souvenir Bobcat-themed gifts and complimentary raffle tickets to win big baskets of Bobcat merch. On stage under the big tent and on the grass, performances by Quinnipiac Cheerleading, IceCats, Dance Team, Kickline Team and Irish Dance Club wowed the crowd.

Mom Deanna Sena had her phone out to capture video of her daughter, Isabella Sena ’27, DPT ’30, performing with the Bobcat Dance Team. Sena, who joined the team this year, is undertaking Quinnipiac’s dual-degree BS in Health Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the School of Health Sciences.

“She’s danced her whole life, so it’s fun to see her back to dancing,” said Deanna Sena. “She just loves it here, and we’re very happy for her. She’s thriving.”

Dad Tim Sena showed his Bobcat spirit by arriving in his Bobcat men’s ice hockey jersey. The family’s plans for Bobcat Weekend included heading to the M&T Bank Arena on the York Hill Campus for back-to-back nights of Bobcat men’s ice hockey vs. UMaine Black Bears. The Bobcats’ Oct. 17 and Oct. 18 games kicked off the team’s new season of NCAA Division I hockey play.

Sena said it was fun to have her parents with her on campus to share some Quinnipiac memories.

“One of my favorite places on campus is right here on the Quad, so it’s nice to have them here with me,” said Sena.

In a grassy corner of the Quad, Lorenzo and Mandi Durante and their son, first-year student Dominic Durante, ’29, locked in for some friendly competition at a cornhole game.
“It’s fun to have my parents here playing lawn games. We’re very competitive,” said Durante, a member of Quinnipiac men’s club volleyball.

Quinnipiac men’s club volleyball competes in the New England Collegiate Volleyball League. Durante’s parents said they love having the opportunity to watch their son play with the club against other university clubs.

“It’s great to go to their games,” said Lorenzo Durante. “We love to see the camaraderie with the kids he’s playing with; and they’re good!”

Dominic Durante said he was looking forward to spending Bobcat Weekend showing his parents his favorite places around campus, including the mountain at Sleeping Giant State Park, which neighbors the Mount Carmel Campus.

“I’d say my favorite thing to do is hiking the mountain. It’s so much fun. My friends came up, and they went with me,” said Durante, who hails from Shelton, Connecticut.

Among families gathering under the tent at dozens of tables to play board games or just catch up, Tracey and Steve Benitz shared some laughs with their son, Sean Benitz ’29. Benitz is studying advertising at the School of Communications.

With mom and dad arriving on campus just moments before from Andover, New Jersey, the Benitz family was reuniting for the first time since residence hall move-in day in August. 
“It’s amazing to see him again. I was so excited,” said Tracey Benitz. “I saw him, and I just hugged him!”

“It’s good to see them,” Benitz said, joking, “Before leaving, I thought I was tired of them; but I soon realized that maybe I’m not!”

Traveling in for Bobcat Weekend from New City, New York, Rich and Denise Cudden quickly connected on the Quad with their daughter, Sophia Cudden ’29, MOT ’31. Cudden is in the School of Health Sciences entry-level dual-degree BS in Health Science Studies/Master of Occupational Therapy program.

The Cudden family showed their Bobcat spirit by joining in the fun of scrambling onto the gigantic Bobcat easy chair inflatable for a perfect Bobcat Weekend photo opp.

Sophia Cudden said their game plan for the night included getting to the M&T Bank Arena early for the chance to grab some free Bobcat T-shirts before cheering on the men’s ice hockey team.

“I think they’re very excited for all the activities we’re going to be doing this weekend. It’s nice because I’m getting to show them everything -- I want to show them our Sushi-Do place!” said Cudden.

Located on the second level of the Carl Hansen Student center on the Mount Carmel Campus, Sushi-Do rolls out traditional and eclectic sushi and sashimi, soups, and noodle bowls as one of many diverse student dining selections.

Denise Cudden said her goal for Bobcat Weekend was to experience as much as possible with their daughter as part of the Bobcat family.

“This is our first college student, so it’s our first parent weekend ever. We’re excited to be here with her. It’s gorgeous,” said Cudden.