Family Weekend Schedule

Bistro Willamette Hours (Putnam University Center, 1st Floor)

Visit the student-run coffee shop located on the first floor of the Putnam University Center to try their handcrafted drinks and various treats made from scratch.

Check In (Putnam University Center, 2nd Floor Lobby)

Pick up campus information and pre-purchased tickets. Limited tickets will be available for purchase at check-in.

Renjen Center for Equity & Empowerment Open House and Birthday Celebration (Renjen Center)

Come celebrate the Renjen Center for Equity & Empowerment (E&E)’s 13th birthday!

The E&E is a welcoming and inclusive space where students of various identities can find connection, support, and resources. The space is grounded in the empowerment of historically underrepresented students and their allies. Housed in the Center is the Office of Intercultural Engagement & Inclusion. Come visit to learn about their resources!

Internship Showcase (Putnam University Center, Career Center)

Stop by the Career Center to hear about different summer internships directly from the Willamette students who completed them this past summer.

Gender Resource and Advocacy Center Family Open House (Montag Loft)

The Gender Resource and Advocacy Center (GRAC) provides resources and support to persons of any gender and sexual identity in the Willamette University community. Visit their Family Open House to learn about their resources.

How The Liberal Arts Prepares Students for Careers (Putnam University Center, Career Center)

The liberal arts teach students how to read, write, and think, but how do we ensure they are career ready? In this session we will talk about the skills employers are seeking, how we help our students gain these skills, and how we shape our Career Development offerings through our Career Communities model to ensure Willamette students have the opportunity to explore career fields, gain meaningful and relevant experience, and connect with employers and alumni across a variety of industries.

Please join Anne Lapour, Executive Director of Career Initiatives, in this session to learn more about how Willamette helps prepare career ready graduates.

Family Weekend Instrumental and Choral Concert (Hudson Hall)

A combination of many Willamette University music ensembles welcome friends, family and the Salem community to attend a Family Weekend Concert. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Check In (Putnam University Center, 2nd Floor Lobby)

Pick up campus information and pre-purchased tickets. Limited tickets will be available for purchase at check in.

Silver Falls Hiking Trip (Meet at Montag Plaza)

Sign up to visit one of the premiere state parks in the region and all of Oregon. Silver Falls State Park includes one of the best hikes in the state called the 10 falls waterfall hike. We will hike a small 2.6 mile portion of the trail to see two of the largest waterfalls in the state. Do not miss this opportunity to spend time with the Outdoor Program Leaders and be in the great outdoors. You have the option to join the Outdoor Program in our rented vehicle transportation that we provide or your family can meet us at the waterfall trailhead as well.

PLEASE NOTE: If you choose to drive there is a $5.00 parking fee at the trailhead. This event will require additional registration when you register for Family Weekend. Space is very limited so if you're interested sign up quickly.

Conversation with President Thorsett (Putnam University Center, Cat Cavern)

Join Willamette President Stephen Thorsett in conversation with Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Lisa Landreman as they share insights about the current academic year as well as updates on Willamette's goals for the future.

Cross Country - Bowles Invitational (Bush Park)

Men's 8k at 9:30, women's 5k at 10:20. The races start on lower Lefelle field and finish on the track.
Head over to Bush Park to cheer on the Bearcats Cross Country teams as they compete in the Bowles Invitational race! Help motivate them to get across that finish line.

Gourmet Brunch (Goudy Commons)

Enjoy a delicious brunch served in Goudy Commons. There will be a variety of breakfast and lunch options available. Tickets are required for everyone attending, including any Willamette student without a board meal plan. Tickets can be purchased during online registration or at the register on Saturday, October 3rd.

Mini University Session 1 (3 options, varied locations)

These sessions are meant to be introductions to Willamette classrooms. Join Willamette faculty for sample lectures on a variety of topics from Moral Psychology to Karl Marx.

View session details

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Mini University Session 2 (3 options, varied locations)

These sessions are meant to be introductions to Willamette classrooms. Join Willamette faculty for sample lectures on a variety of topics from Moral Psychology to Karl Marx.

View session details

Visit the Hallie Ford Museum of Art (Hallie Ford Art Museum)

Stop by the art museum on campus and check out the displaying exhibitions: Handmade Revolution: Craft in the Pacific Northwest and What Do We Hold? A Community Conversation. For more information check out the website.

Silver Falls Hiking Trip (Meet at Montag Plaza)

Sign up to visit one of the premiere state parks in the region and all of Oregon. Silver Falls State Park includes one of the best hikes in the state called the 10 falls waterfall hike. We will hike a small 2.6 mile portion of the trail to see two of the largest waterfalls in the state. Do not miss this opportunity to spend time with the Outdoor Program Leaders and be in the great outdoors. You have the option to join the Outdoor Program in our rented vehicle transportation that we provide or your family can meet us at the waterfall trailhead as well.

PLEASE NOTE: If you choose to drive there is a $5.00 parking fee at the trailhead. This event will require additional registration when you register for Family Weekend. Space is very limited so if you're interested sign up soon.

Football vs Pacific Lutheran University

Cheer on the Willamette Football team at McCulloch Stadium as they take on Pacific Lutheran. Go Bearcats!

Family Weekend Jazz Concert (Hudson Hall)

Willamette's many jazz groups come together to bring you a fun-filled night of beautiful music. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Magician Trent James (Smith Auditorium)

Comedy magician Trent James is bringing a fresh feel to the classic magic show! Having received over twenty high honor awards, as well as being the youngest recipient of The Milbourne Christopher Award (Past winners include David Copperfield and Penn & Teller) Trent is quickly becoming one of the top magicians in the country. Trent’s fast-paced show is loaded with humor, audience participation and mind-boggling magic that will entertain all ages.

Bistro Willamette Hours (Bistro)

Visit the student-run coffee shop located on the first floor of the Putnam University Center to try their handcrafted drinks and various treats made from scratch.

A Capella Concert (Cone Chapel)