The Parent Relations department hosted Biola’s annual Grandparents Day celebration on March 11. According to Stephanie Ramirez, assistant director of alumni and family engagement, the goal of Grandparents Day is to create a space for students to welcome their grandparents into their lives at Biola. 

“At Biola, we value the entire family,” Ramirez said. “Grandparents are a part of the students’ extended support network, so we want to help facilitate a time where students can welcome their family into their ‘second home’ at Biola and create memories together.”

TOURS AND EVENTS

Alumni and Family Care Coordinator Veronica Sansonetti explained Biola treated grandparents to an 8 a.m. breakfast buffet and devotion with President Barry Corey in the Kim Banquet Room. Sansonetti said the Vocal Jazz Ensemble performed a concert for grandparents as they enjoyed coffee, desserts and Italian food at the “Lunch and Listen” event. 

Sansonetti said tour guides led grandparents on a campus tour that explored main sites around Biola, including Calvary Chapel and the renovated Bardwell Fine Arts building. 

GRANDPARENTS DAY CHAPEL

Dean of Spiritual Development and Campus Pastor Todd Pickett spoke at chapel to welcome grandparents and prospective students to Biola. Pickett encouraged students struggling with decisions about college and careers to view God’s will not as a specific unchanging path, but rather a meadow filled with possibilities for students to choose from with his guidance. 

Additionally, Pickett presented grandparents as people Biolans can turn to for advice about trusting in God in uncertain situations. He encouraged students to ask their grandparents how they followed God’s leading when faced with difficult choices. 

INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

Ramirez outlined several activities students and grandparents participated in. She explained that certain classes invited grandparents to listen to that day’s lecture. Ramirez said students took pictures with their grandparents at the photo booth at Fluor Fountain or took photos with friends to send to their families. 

“We have a letter writing station next to Guest Services for our students to write a letter to send home,” Ramirez said. “Grandparent guests can also write a note to our students before they leave. We are also adding an opportunity at the Riady Gardens on the Talbot Rooftop for students to pause and remember loved ones who have passed.”