Buies Creek, N.C.—Senior national news correspondent, substitute anchor and author Claire Shipman of ABC News’ Good Morning America will be the featured speaker at Campbell University’s annual Family Weekend festivities, September 24-26.
Shipman, who also contributes to ABC’s World News and This Week, is the co-author with Katty Kay of The New York Times best-seller, Womenomics: The Workplace Revolution That Will Change Your life (2009).
Always an action-packed two-day event with sports, fireworks, family tailgating, campus recreation, entertainment and the selection of Campbell’s Family of the Year, the University is pleased not only to have the families, but an internationally recognized news personality like Shipman on campus, said Dr. Dennis Bazemore, Vice President for Student Life.
“Campbell University recognizes that without families, great institutions are not possible,” Bazemore said. “The University understands how important they are to the success of their sons and daughters in higher education. And what better role model is there to represent the value of a college education than a world-famous journalist like Claire Shipman?”
The weekend begins on Friday, September 24, with campus tours, recreational opportunities, dinner, an ice cream social and the performance of “Sonos” Acapella Group in Turner Auditorium. On Saturday, Sept. 25, families will attend a welcome session which consists of a University update, recognition of alumni and other features followed by tailgating and a barbecue luncheon and football at 1 p.m., when Campbell faces off against Georgia State University in Barker-Lane Stadium. Later on Saturday at 4 p.m., the Women’s Soccer team battles Florida Gulf Coast University and at 7 p.m. it is men’s soccer against Appalachain State University. A fireworks display will follow the conclusion of the men’s soccer game.
Claire Shipman will speak on Saturday, September 25, at 7 p.m. in Turner Auditorium.
On Sunday, Sept. 26, families are invited to attend the Family Worship Service at 9 a.m. in Butler Chapel which is followed by a brunch with President Jerry M. Wallace at 10 a.m.
An important part of the Family Weekend festivities is the selection of the Family of the Year in which the Office of Student Life honors one special family whose contribution to the education of their student has been extraordinary. To participate in the Family of the Year Contest, students must write an essay explaining why their family is a great Campbell University family. The essays are judged on several criteria, including evidence of the family’s support for student success, enthusiasm for Campbell University, creativity and grammar. The student whose essay is chosen will receive a book scholarship for the spring semester, tickets to all athletic events during Family Weekend, recognition at the football game on Saturday, Sept. 25, a feature on the Campbell web site and participate with their family in the Homecoming Parade as honored guests on Oct. 30.
For more information about Campbell’s Family Weekend festivities, contact Jennifer Brown in the Office of Student Life at 910.893.1540.
Photo Copy: ABC News Correspondent Claire Shipman