The event included a variety of activities for all ages, including academic presentations, athletic competitions, a family Halloween picnic, musical performances, campus tours, tailgating and a pep rally.

This year, to underscore the shared sense of community and connections of Bobcat Nation, the university combined two long-time signature events, Alumni Weekend and Parents & Family Weekend, into one special event. Not even the rain on Saturday could dampen the sense of excitement evident from every corner of campus a students and their families, along with alumni spanning the past 50 years, joined together to reminisce over old memories and create meaningful new ones.

“Despite the weather, the spirit of Bobcat Nation shined brightly and warmly this past weekend,” said Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs Todd Sloan. “The university community was energized as our alumni and families celebrated their connection to Quinnipiac and enjoying experiencing the growth and evolution of our three campuses, learning about what makes a Quinnipiac education unique and catching up with friends — and making new ones.”

One of the highpoints of the weekend was the opportunity for the Quinnipiac community to hear directly from President Judy Olian during Saturday’s State of the University address, which included a student panel discussion and dedicated time for questions from the audience.

Speaking to a packed auditorium and online Zoom audience, Olian outlined the many new initiatives on campus and spoke with optimism about future endeavors. She emphasized the university’s rise in stature with national recognition for its leadership and distinction as an intimate but comprehensive academic university. She cited Quinnipiac’s agility in pivoting toward marketplace demands while praising the expertise of the university’s engaged faculty, staff and alumni with research and academic grants on the rise. She also highlighted the many ways in which Quinnipiac continues to positively impact the greater community while still coping with the ongoing global pandemic.

“This is a community where our shared purposes, these values, cut across everyone,” said Olian. "This community came together in a remarkable way during COVID, and I’m confident and privileged to say that I think we did better than many other universities in grappling with this crisis.”

She spoke in depth about how the university continues to invest in the “here and now” as well as in the future.

She urged everyone to walk through campus to see first-hand the new developments including renovations to the Complex residence hall, construction of the new Recreation and Wellness Center and campus enhancements, such as the addition of firepits and Adirondack chairs to enhance student interaction while outlining plans for the eSports lounge, a second open-air TV studio and the interdisciplinary Innovation Hub. She noted that all campus additions are designed in support of the university’s commitment to sustainability.

Olian concluded by highlighting the ways in which the Quinnipiac community continues to intentionally grow stronger and more diverse. Throughout her address, she reinforced the university’s shared focus on creating an engaged and supportive student experience.

“We are a welcoming community, where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a feeling of family and inclusivity on campus,” said Olian. “We are excited about today and the future. We are building the University of the Future thanks to our students who are co-creating with us and thanks to you for the vision and momentum you are helping build with us.”

Following her address, the panelists fielded questions and comments about the university’s current programs and future plans.

As the event winded down, Charlotte McCue, the mother of panelist and Student Government Association Vice President for Public Relations Jennifer McCue ’24, took the opportunity to thank President Olian and drew applause for referencing her experience as a current parent of a Quinnipiac student.

“I was nervous sending my kid off to college in the middle of a pandemic. But the experience has been nothing but stellar from this university,” said McCue. “It was just an amazing experience, and she is thriving here and loves it. Most of the students I’ve spoken to are engaged. They’re excited. So, I want to thank all of you because it is a partnership with the students. And I couldn’t be happier to have my child at Quinnipiac.”

Bobcat Weekend 2021 Photo Gallery