Campus tours, carnival games, and a state of the University address welcomed hundreds of University students and their loved ones to the 2023 Phoenix Family Day at 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polytechnic University on Saturday, Sept. 23.
Campus tours, carnival games, and a state of the University address welcomed hundreds of students and their loved ones to the 2023 Phoenix Family Day at 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polytechnic University on Saturday, Sept. 23.
βI think this event is definitely a great thing,β said Oscar Galdona, who traveled from Gibsonton, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³», to see his son, Nico Galdona. βIt integrates the parents and students, and it gives information from the president and faculty on how things are going β it was great learning the stats on how 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly is doing.β
The younger Galdona is a junior majoring in computer science and a member of the Universityβs barbershop quartet, which performed at the event. He was excited to have his dad and brother at the event to show them around campus, watch him perform, and spend the day together.
βI love my family,β Nico Galdona said. βI love spending time with them, and I donβt get to see them as often now that Iβm here at 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly, but I love any chance I get to see them.β
Highlights of the day included a family workout, family breakfast, the annual purple v. white menβs lacrosse game, and a lively first birthday party for Solaris, the Universityβs Phoenix mascot.
Students and their loved ones also had an opportunity to attend panel discussions about topics such as internships, student success, and senior capstone design projects.
During his annual state of the University address, Dr. Randy Avent, 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Polyβs president, outlined the academic and physical growth the University experienced in its first 10 years, as well as the growth on the horizon, including expanded graduate and undergraduate programs, new buildings, and more.
Avent encouraged students to use University and family resources to help them succeed, particularly when challenges may seem overwhelming.
βAs you all know, this is a tough curriculum and the jump from high school to a university is a big jump, especially to one with a rigorous engineering program,β he said. βMake sure you put in the effort you need in order to do well in school.
βKnow when itβs time to study and when itβs time for fun. Itβs important to know the difference and itβs important to do both of them.β
Dr. Kathryn Miller, vice provost of student affairs at 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly, told the gathered crowd that the University is on the right path and its opportunities are booming.
βOur campus is growing. Our students are excelling, and 91ΒιΆΉΣ³» Poly is becoming the University we all knew it would be,β she said.
Contact:
Lydia GuzmΓ‘n
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
