About a dozen students and their families gathered at Montgoris Dining Hall to attend the Vice President for Student Affairs Luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The luncheon was held as one of the many  events hosted by St. John’s University for Family Weekend, a three day event dedicated to reuniting students with their families as they participate in various activities and forums.

The luncheon featured speeches, games, and activities including candy corn guessing games for prizes, a live rasta band and an all-you-can-eat lunch spread.

St. John’s freshman, Alexander O’Leary, was one of the many students and their families that attended the luncheon on Saturday. Accompanied by his parents, sister and aunt, O’Leary had a few words to say when asked about the turnout of the luncheon.

“I like it here, it’s nice,” said O’Leary. “I enjoy the vibes that the luncheon provided.”

In regards to reuniting with his family O’Leary also stated, “It’s been six weeks since I’ve seen them. We plan to go to the carnival and other events.”

Alexander’s father, Frazier O’Leary, said, “The food was wonderful.” Alexander’s aunt, Michelle McNeil, commented, “I like the atmosphere, the event and the fact that everyone here has been so welcoming. We were able to speak with the Vice President of Student Affairs as well, she was lovely.”

The Vice President of Student Affairs herself, Dr. Kathryn Hutchinson, welcomed families and students at the luncheon. Hutchinson was proud of the turnout last Saturday.

“We had the same amount of families register for family weekend as they did last year. Families have been flooding in and out and it was nice to talk to all of them,” she said.

When asked about the purpose of the luncheon Hutchinson stated, “This luncheon was a way to get people together and get Family Weekend started, while warmly welcoming them in a very relaxed environment.”

“In that way, families can feel the experience that their students have every day when they get up to have breakfast in the morning,” continued Hutchinson. “It’s also a nice experience for commuters to enjoy as well, considering that they never come into Montgoris; it’s a way for them to simply enjoy some leisurely time with their families.”