Family and friends of Missouri Western State University students will come to campus on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20, for the annual Family Weekend celebration. The weekend includes home volleyball and football games as well as activities for the family. Except for the games, all events are free and open to the public.

Friday’s events include:

  • Paint It Gold Rally, noon-1 p.m., Kelley Commons. Free snacks and prizes, entertainment by the Golden Griffon Marching Band and speeches by Griffon fall sports coaches get you ready for the weekend.
  • Magician Daniel Martin, 7 p.m., Kemper Recital Hall Spratt 101. Martin’s high-energy blend of magic and comedy has led to his recognition by “Campus Activities Magazine” as the top rated/best reviewed touring act in the country for three consecutive years.
  • Griffon volleyball vs. Emporia State, 7 p.m., MWSU Fieldhouse, Looney Complex.

Saturday’s events include:

  • President’s Pancake Brunch, 10 a.m., Remington Atrium. Must RSVP by emailing dheldenbrand@missouriwestern.edu by Wednesday, Sept. 17.
  • Planetarium shows (get tickets at the brunch)
    • 11 a.m.: Secret of the Cardboard Rocket (for children)
    • Noon: Forces of Nature
    • 1 p.m.: Sea Monsters
  • VIP Tours of the Walter Cronkite Memorial, every 30 minutes starting at 11 a.m. Get tickets at the brunch.
  • Carnival games, 11:30 a.m. outside Remington Atrium.
  • Griffon volleyball vs. Washburn, 1 p.m., MWSU Fieldhouse, Looney Complex.
  • Comedic sensation Frangela, 2 p.m., Kemper Recital Hall, Spratt 101. Frances Callier and Angela V. Shelton are real-life best friends who talk to each other all day long. Frangela appeared on NBC’s “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here.” Twentieth Century Fox’s show “Wedlock or Deadlock,” and VH1′s “Best Week Ever,” and they brought hilarity to the big screen in the hit film “He’s Just Not That Into You.”
  • Tailgating, 3 p.m., Parking Lot H
  • Griffon football vs. Northeastern State, 6 p.m., Spratt Stadium

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.