This weekend, hundreds of parents flocked to Duke’s campus for the annual Parents’ and Family Weekend, full of faculty-led sessions on the University’s programs and tours of what Duke has to offer. Some students were reunited with their families for the first time since move-in day, while other students’ parents could not attend. The Chronicle spoke with students, employees and administrators regarding their reactions to Parents’ Weekend.

“We all learn things online but there are things you learn only from one-on-one interaction.” —President Richard Brodhead, in an address to parents at Parents Weekend.

“It was nice to see the parents behind the students. We have lots of regulars and it was nice to see them with their families.” —Jelissa Thomas, Au Bon Pain manager

“It’s a neutral feeling not having my parents here last weekend. I understand the circumstances—an $800 plane ticket—but it was good to see everyone else with their parents.” —freshmen Gerhard Steven Jr.

“Seeing parents at Shooters equals: ‘Awkward!’” —freshmen Amari Stokes

“She can’t come because she lives in Japan. How could she?” —sophomore Amy Cahill regarding her mother’s reason for not coming to Parents’ Weekend

“I’m a junior and I live really close so my parents didn’t come. Still, I got to meet a lot of my friend’s parents and they invited me home with them.” —junior Cory Lancaster

“My parents didn’t come but my wonderful and loving uncle and aunt came and took my roommate and me out to dinner. It was the most satisfying meal in a long time, paid for by a third party and not on food points.” —junior Maria Deane “I don’t believe in Parent’s Weekend. The traffic is ridiculous.” —senior Amber Kunze

“I liked having my parents here because I got to show them everything I had been talking about on the phone.” —freshman Deanna Badger

“I got tickets for the basketball game and my dad and my brother came. My brother’s a junior so of course I want him to come to Duke. It was cute because whenever people come to a game there’s lots of hand motions they expect them to do, so at first my brother was hesitant but then he started doing the hand motions even though he was embarrassed.” —sophomore Lauren Ord

“My parents didn’t want to do any of the structured activities because they thought it would pull the focus from being with me. It was kind of a tease because they were only here for a few days and they left this morning.” —sophomore Alexis Stanley