My husband and I prayed that our daughter’s college search would lead her to a place that felt like home and offered strong opportunities in the School of the Arts. After several exceptional tours, we visited Samford on a cloudless, summer day and immediately felt the community. The warmth of the campus and the people – from staff, to faculty, to students –created an indescribable bond. Our prayers for a university family were answered, and the three of us gained more than expected.

Family Weekend offers new ways to experience the campus. You are no longer searching for a home; you are a part of the Samford family. These days allow your entire family to participate in life around Samford including sports activities, campus tours, service projects, as well as the state tent experience. While my family enjoyed all that we explored, a major highlight was the concert by the award-winning Commercial Music band, Lakeshore, a fitting name, as it’s the street that leads to campus. Although unfamiliar with the band, we set up our chairs in a shady spot on the quad and enjoyed getting to know other parents and students. From the first note played, it was clear that through this band, Samford offers students a genuine opportunity to showcase their gifts. Lakeshore’s performance was a display of talent on par with what you would enjoy at concerts across the country.

Family Weekend is held a few weeks into the fall semester....it is a perfect time for families to come together and catch up on all that life has offered during the start of the year and to find answers to any lingering questions. The best answers come from your own involvement in the many experiences offered to visiting families. After your day of meeting President and Mrs. Taylor, touring the beautiful buildings, dining with new friends, and/or packing bags for local children in need, then you have the chance to spread a blanket or bring your chairs and marvel at the caliber of talent performing on the Quad’s stage, by Montague and Lakeshore. Most of all, it seems appropriate to take a moment and thank God for leading your family to this unique and caring community of learning and love that is Samford University.