In the past three days, Freshman Parents Weekend drew hundreds of families to campus to visit members of the Class of 2008.
"I'm sad that I can't have the college experience too," said Christine Barron, who came from Los Angeles with her husband Paul to see her son. "I feel old."
The University, for the most part, kept parents too busy to worry about their relative age.
From attending numerous panels to eating in the dining halls and even participating in a scavenger hunt, parents formed a tight-knit support group and were able to have their own miniature college experience, Barron said.
Many students observed that the dining halls put extra effort into providing meals for parents, serving lavish dishes. Butler College's Wu dining hall even had live a cappella singing during Saturday's brunch.
"I told my parents before [they visited] that the food was bad, but they won't believe me," Megan Lee '08 said. "They say it's fine and tell me to eat more."
Besides the food, most parents were impressed with the number of events set up for them and also enjoyed the University's beautiful campus.
"It is perfect," Barron said, who was deeply touched by the University's history.
Parents also said the administration made feel welcome.
"President Tilghman's speech was inspiring," parent Ann Fung said. "The presentation [by Tilghman and Dean of the College Malkiel] was exquisite." Fung, who flew all the way from Hong Kong, was glad she came this weekend instead of the beginning of the school year.
"I didn't come in September because the events didn't seem as interesting. Parents Weekend seemed better. These few days have helped me to gain more understanding," she said.
"It was also better because I knew what to bring for my son because he had already moved in and knew what he needed," she added.
Other parents were reassured that their children made the right choice in coming to the University.
John and Bonnie Picone of Leominster, Mass., were hesitant about letting their daughter come to Princeton because she had choices closer to home. Now, however, they are "glad she picked this school and are behind her 100 percent."
"We love that she's here and we want her to enjoy it. Parents Weekend helps us to know how [her] life is," John Picone said.
Though parents enjoyed seeing the University and their children, some still had concerns on their mind, mainly about the campus social environment.
"We're concerned about drinking because you're free from your parents and can do almost anything," Barron said.
Other parents, however, were less concerned. "We trust our daughter," said Tom and Eldy Wang from New Jersey, "she can make her own judgments."
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