Friends and Family Build Community at JWU Charlotte

Author Ava Zajczenko ’27 is a Nonprofit Management major with a focus on food insecurity and works as a student assistant at JWU, contributing to JWU News.       

Between classes, homework and the start of the new semester, life is busy for students at Johnson & Wales University. Among the blur of activities, academics and experiences is an event that everyone on the Charlotte Campus looks forward to each year: Family & Friends Weekend.    

F&F Weekend allows students and their families to reconnect, enjoy a variety of fun experiences and be together as a community.    

Students, event organizers and staff were asked what was most exciting/memorable to them among all the activities.    

Staff Impressions of a Memorable Weekend 

Maysieo Tanks, student engagement coordinator at JWU Charlotte, shares that F&F Weekend was “an unforgettable weekend filled with energy, connection and nonstop fun!”    

In 2024, JWU Charlotte celebrated its 20th anniversary during F&F Weekend. This year, Tanks felt that the event was “even more exciting this time around,” explaining, “It was great to build on that momentum as everyone came together to celebrate everything that makes JWU Charlotte so special.”    

JWU Charlotte's dean of students Dena Warren, enjoyed being able to play a part in this weekend and see students reunite with their families, noting, “It was heartwarming to watch our students interact with their families! It was exciting to see them take the lead in showing their loved ones around campus and sharing their pride in JWU.”   

Tanks noted that the weekend offered an “abundance” of activities: “There was something for everyone to enjoy, including Sunday’s Yard Show, where Fraternity and Sorority Life took to the stage for an epic yard show performance that was unforgettable! Both the Cookout and the Farewell Brunch brought together old and new friends. Whether you were family, alumni or the JWU community, there were great vibes, delicious food and memories that’ll last a lifetime.”    

Creating Connection Through Events on Campus   

F&F Weekend events took place in a variety of places across campus, including the Academic Center Courtyard (ACC), The Caf and Wildcat Den.    

The Cookout and Farewell Brunch offered menu items such as barbecue chicken, pizza and grits bowls. There were also games to play, such as cornhole and Jenga. These events allowed people to enjoy tasty food while catching up and saying goodbye to beloved family and friends.    

The Yard Show was hosted by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, with performances by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Other Greek life groups on campus also participated. There were even chapters from local schools such as Johnson C. Smith University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to show support.    

The Yard Show’s goal was to showcase each organization in its own special way, with different themes being presented in each group. These themes included “old school," the ’90s and Alpha Intelligence (AI). Student organizations presented information about themselves, including what their organizations mean to them and to others on campus.     

These events were a great way to get everyone involved and together across campus!   

What F&F Weekend Means to Students 

John Billinis ’26, the Student Government Association (SGA) president on campus, shares, "Family & Friends Weekend allows parents, friends and guests alike an insight into our wonderful campus and showcases the JWU community firsthand.”    

Billinis adds, “It is important to have your support network come to visit you and see a glimpse into the new life you have in your second home!"    

Among other students share that sentiment is Keith Smith ’25, a member of JWU Charlotte’s Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.    

Smith shares, “Charlotte’s Family & Friends Weekend/Greek Week was more than just an event — it was a celebration of unity, pride and tradition. The Yard Show brought our campus to life, showcasing the passion and purpose behind each organization. Seeing families, friends and students come together to cheer us on reminded me why moments like these truly define the college experience.”   

Zora Massey ’27 agreed, stating, “The energy at this year’s Yard Show was unmatched; seeing every organization hit the floor with pride and the crowd hyping them up made it a moment JWU Charlotte won’t forget.”   

Events like these bring students who are involved in different organizations, majors and years together to celebrate their shared connection on campus, which is being a part of JWU.     

Feeling the Community Across JWU Charlotte   

With everything that happened during Family & Friends Weekend, it’s hard to pick only one thing that was the most exciting or memorable. Whether it’s the people, the events or the spirit, there’s a lot to be excited about.    

Warren comments that she “feels humbled to have played a small role in organizing such a wonderful event.” She expresses that F&F Weekend wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s involvement and help across campus: “Huge congratulations to our Student Engagement team — you truly outdid yourselves! Grateful as well to our campus partners who led breakout sessions, and to the alumni and community members who joined in to make the weekend even more special.”    

Clearly, there’s a community across campus for everyone. Whether you’re a current student, alum, staff or family member, it’s easy to feel the sense of community that JWU Charlotte embodies.  

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