Dads Weekend Guide 2017

THE DAILY ILLINI THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

Thursday, November 9, 2017

The Daily Illini

2

RATES AS LOW AS

$309

S 4th St

309 GREEN

LEASING CENTER

E Green St

LOFTS 54 & CAMPUSTOWN RENTALS

S 1st St E John St

THE SUITES AT THIRD

S 3rd St

THE TOWER AT THIRD

LEASING CENTER THE SUITES AT THIRD

S Wright St

with reduced fees

E Healey St

S Locust St

Save up to $250

AmericanCampus.com/Champaign

LOFTS 54 E Chalmers St E Chalmers St

Rates/installments & fees are subject to change. Rates/installments do not represent a monthly rental amount (& are not prorated), but rather the total base rent due for the lease term divided by the number of installments. Limited time only. See office for details.

The Daily Illini

Thursday, November 9, 2017

3

Celebrate your father; he won’t be around forever

BY MOLLY ZUPAN STAFF WRITER

We all have fears. Some of those fears are irrational or unrealistic, while others are inevitable and maybe even reccurring. Last summer, I was afraid of spiders and the dark.

A few months later, my biggest fears changed dramatically. I became afraid of losing a loved one.

On Sept. 2, 2016, my dad suffered from cardiac arrest.

My family was volunteering at a fundraising event in support of local unions, which my dad helped organize. As a proud advocate for unions, my dad put an excessive amount of effort into this fundraiser and brought on too big of a workload.

Within an hour of the festival’s kickoff, my dad collapsed. His best friend witnessed the initial fall, and my mom and sister saw the rest. He laid on the ground, purple and still.

My sister and mom were frozen at his side. I was on my way home from school while this all happened.

A security guard, who was not originally scheduled to work, ran to my dad and began CPR. If not for his efforts, he never would have even made it to the hospital.

Luckily, the hospital had the necessary equipment, technology and skill to help.

My dad was put under a recently-developed technique known as induced hypothermia, which cools the body to sustain and slow down bodily processes.

If the hospital’s personnel were not trained in this procedure, my dad would have died.

Doctors stressed that a person who goes over five minutes without a heartbeat, blood

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOLLY ZUPAN

Molly Zupan and her father celebrate Dads Weekend 2016 by watching the football game. Molly’s father made a quick enough recovery to visit her during this important weekend.

flow or oxygen is in serious danger of permanent brain damage. Among those who survive, about one in 10 will have severe brain damage. If that isn’t scary enough, only 12 percent of those who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest live.

For nearly two weeks, his future was uncertain. He was unresponsive and couldn’t breathe independently. Our days were spent huddled together in a hospital room, with blotchy, red faces and sad, tired eyes.

Saying that we were scared is an understatement. For days, we did not see my dad’s smile or hear his voice. The doctors told us that, if he survived, he’d have major brain

damage. Those words brought an unreal amount of pain to my mom, sister and I. Roughly a week passed before something incredible happened. I was holding his hand, when I said, “Dad, if you can hear me, please squeeze my hand,” and he did. At that moment, I knew my dad was going to push through.

About a week later, my dad woke up. A breathing tube was removed from his throat and nurses calmed him. When I walked into the room and saw his eyes open and arms moving, I nearly dropped to the floor. I felt a powerful rush of revival.

The first thing my dad said to us was, “I’m sorry.” He was crying, struggling to speak

and apologizing repeatedly. It blew my mind that he was apologizing for suffering. He felt worse for us than he did for himself.

I’ve always known how genuine, humble and caring my dad is, but, at this moment, I somehow knew it better than before.

Since last September, my family has changed. We have grown closer in a way that I cannot describe. During the time that my dad’s life was at risk, my family and I were at an all-time low. We were miserable, beyond worried and so terrified. But we were so strong.

My dad’s current well-being is a result of some sort of miracle. He is pretty close to the same person he was before. The brain damage didn’t stand a chance.

When I look back, I feel so sad. I am still haunted by the sound of the loud beeping machines that surrounded my dad’s hospital bed, and by the expression on my mom’s face when a doctor said, “brain damage.”

My dad cares about my family more than anything. He continuously puts us before himself. He is always honest, patient and willing to provide a helping hand or word. He loves my sister and me unconditionally. He tells stories that make us laugh and cry, and gently pushes us to work hard and be kind while supporting us along the way.

Without my dad, I would be someone else.

My family would be lost, and my mom would be without her other half.

I am so grateful.

Celebrate this Dads Weekend. I definitely will.

Molly is a sophomore in FAA. mollyz2@dailyillini.com

2017 Dads Weekend Schedule FRIDAY, NOV. 10 Illinois Men’s Basketball Exhibition Game

7 p.m.

State Farm Center Tickets $20 per person, depending on the seat

Illinois Men’s Hockey vs. Ohio University 7:30 p.m.

University of Illinois Ice Arena Tickets $10 per person

SATURDAY, NOV. 11 Dads Pre-Game BBQ

9 a.m.

Activities and Recreation Center

Illinois vs. Indiana University Football Game 11 a.m.

Memorial Stadium Tickets $35 per person

Hansel and Gretel 5 p.m.

Illini Union Board Weekend Films — Leap! Tryon Festival Theatre of the Krannert 7 p.m.

Pine Lounge in Illini Union Free with student i-card

Center for the Performing Arts $10-35 per person

Dad’s Weekend Concert — an a cappella All-Star Extravaganza 7:30 p.m.

Foellinger Auditorium $10 per ticket

SUNDAY, NOV. 12 Dads Sunday Brunch

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Illini Union 2nd Floor Ballroom $20 per person

Sunday Football-Packers vs. Bears & Illini Union Board Weekend Films — Leap! Cowboys vs Falcons 7 p.m.

Pine Lounge in Illini Union Free with student i-card

12 to 6:30 p.m.

Courtyard Cafe of Illini Union Free

Varsity Men’s Glee Club

Hansel and Gretel

7:30 p.m.

Foellinger Great Hall in Krannert Center for the Performing Arts $4-10 per ticket

3 p.m.

Tryon Festival Theatre in Krannert Center for the Performing Arts $8-35 per person

Thursday, November 9, 2017

The Daily Illini

4

Illini Dads Association plans for games, fundraisers

BY ARDEN YUON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Joe Gainer is the president of the Illini Dads Association. The association is a group of University students who plan all of the activities for Dads Weekend. Gainer is an alumnus and will remain president for the rest of the year.

Daily Illini: For freshmen who don’t know, can you briefly describe what Dads Weekend is?

Joe Gainer: It’s an opportunity for dads to come and visit with their children.

It’s probably really geared a lot towards freshmen, not just freshmen, but a lot. It’s an opportunity for dads to spend some time with their kids.

DI: Why is Dads Weekend at the beginning of November?

JG: Typically, we have it in November so the kids have been in school for at least 2 1/2 months. It gives them the chance to get acclimated to school and then for the dads to spend time with the kids.

DI: How has your perception of the

celebration been affected by being in the association?

JG: I am very proud of the fact that we

sponsor events, and it kind of gives the dads and kids activities to do. The result of the responses during the events also raises money for grants and scholarships, so there’s some philanthropy involved.

DI: How does the association raise money for grants and scholarships?

JG: We have a relationship with

the athletic association, so we sell basketball tickets and football tickets for a discount. We also have a relationship with the Hockey Club, so we sell tickets at a discount and same with the brunch and the concert. We make a little bit of profit on those, so as a result, it’s basically a fundraiser event. We get to sponsor scholarships for registered student organizations and students at the University.

DI: What can we expect from this year?

Is there going to be anything new or different?

PHOTO COURTESY OF DADS ASSOCIATION

Illini Dads Association is a group that organizes all of the Dads Weekend activities each year. The group also offers scholarships and donates to several clubs on campus.

JG: It’s going to be a little bit different.

There’s going to be hockey and basketball games that give the dads a chance to come and see the completely refurbished State Farm Center. One thing that is also changed is that last year’s concert was a Beatles tribute band, but this year, one of the guys on the board has a daughter in an a cappella

group. The people are very interested in hearing them, so we changed the concert to three student a cappella groups. We were able to lower the price and make a little more money.

Arden is a freshman in Business. ysyoun2@dailyillini.com

NOVEMBER 1 1-5 2

5 9 9 9

Festival of South African Dance featuring The Gumboots and Real Actions Pantsula Dance Company In the Next Room Krannert Uncorked with Relevator and guest artist Miss Tess and the Talkbacks in collaboration with the Champaign-Urbana Folk & Roots Festival Young Concert Artists Winner: Nathan Lee, piano Krannert Uncorked Global Transfer Afterglow: The Forgotten Kingdom, Guy Mendilow Ensemble Mariinsky Orchestra of St. Petersburg

9-11 9-12 10

November Dance: Celebrating Kate Kuper Hansel and Gretel Dessert and Conversation: November Dance: Celebrating Kate Kuper 11-12 Dessert and Conversation: Hansel and Gretel 14 Jason Moran and the Big Bandwagon: In my Mind: Monk at Town Hall, 1959 16 Krannert Uncorked with Ms. M & The Jokers 16 Jonah Bokaer and Daniel Arsham: Rules Of The Game 17 Sinfonia da Camera: Simply Strings 30 Krannert Uncorked with Push4Art 30 Jupiter String Quartet with Michael Brown, piano

INTERMEZZO CAFE

Make your visit to Krannert Center complete with a meal from Intermezzo cafe. Indulge in freshly baked breakfast goods, light lunches, and hearty dinners, for vegetarian and nonvegetarian fare.

Open Monday through Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm, and 90 minutes before until one hour after performances

JASON MORAN AND THE BIG BANDWAGON

217.333.6280 • KR ANNERTCENTER.COM

The Daily Illini

Thursday, November 9, 2017

5

You should visit your family at home more often their best years, should at least visit or call from time to time to check in. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

BY YIFAN GU STAFF WRITER

As we grow up, we get used to leaving home: from several blocks in childhood to another city in youth and around the world for college. To some people, distance from home is a measurement of success. However, you always need to visit home. Without family, life just would not be the same. Step back and think about them because they are a part of your life.

Dads Weekend is a great time to see your family, but oftentimes it is not enough. If it has been a long time since you last went home, here are several reasons that should motivate you to start the journey back as soon as possible.

Home has special memories We all had dreams in our childhood years, and whether we have already achieved those dreams or are on the way to achieving them, they all started in our homes. Those first boxing gloves, the first rocket model and the first toe shoes all remain in our old bedrooms. If we feel tired and stressed, going back to see those inspirational items can bring joy and hope. Visiting your old bedroom is a reminder of the kind of person you planned to be. Reminding yourself of those dreams will make your day.

Home is where you get to talk

Family members are the people who know you best, making it easier to share your daily burdens with them. Your parents also know your weaknesses and strengths, and can offer you personalized suggestions. Regularly talking with family members can be an effective way to draw your family together, as your parents will feel they are needed if you go to them with your problems and joys.

As college students, we can feel separated from our former lives. Going back home

MARIEL ELOPRE THE DAILY ILLINI

from time to time can rebuild that sense of family. Your parents will feel they are still important in your life, and the emotional distance will be diminished. Family links are important and act as a safe harbor as you make your way in the world.

Home won’t always be around People always regret not spending time with their parents when they become ill or

pass away, so it’s important to make time for family members while they are healthy and alive. It’s all too easy to forget our parents when we are so busy making our own lives, but while most college students have plenty of time, it is more limited for our parents.

After years of demanding work to raise us, most of our parents are no longer as vigorous and spirited, and life becomes burdensome for them. We, as the children they raised in

Home cooking is best

“No one can bake chicken better than my mom” is a common phrase. No matter where I go, I always keep this in mind. I have tried dozens of kinds of chicken from dozens of restaurants in different parts of the world, but none of them were as good my mom’s recipe. Go back home and enjoy your mom’s cooking. It is truly the best food in the world.

Yifan is a sophomore in LAS. yifangu3@dailyillini.com

SEE THE DIFFERENCE WITH

38

TH

THE

ANNUAL

Presented by the Illinois Heartland Decorative Artists * Quilt Raffle * Over 60 Vendors All on One Level

November 10 & 11, 2017 One of the largest shows in Central Illinois

* Strollers Allowed * Goodie Bags to the First 100 Attendees Each Day

BANKIER APARTMENTS STUDIO 1, 2, 3, & 4 BEDROOMS AVAILABLE

Friday 3:00-9:00 p.m. | Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Wyndham Garden Urbana, 1001 W. Killarney, Urbana, IL 6180 $5 Admission, Children 12 & under-Free For booth information: Joyce Quinlan, jmquinlan58@gmail.com or Caryl Nuckols, carylcolors@gmail.com

Sponsored by NG-1365857

ihda.us/chriscringle

Take a video tour at www.bankierapartments.com or call 217-328-3770

Thursday, November 9, 2017

The Daily Illini

6

Dads Weekend traditions show changes

The only events included football games, an informal reception, theater productions and dances. In 1945, an Armistice Day service was offered at the University Auditorium.

Toward the end of the decade, “Bringing Up Father” was introduced as a dance for dads and their sons and daughters. Additionally, there was the “King Dad” contest, where students voted for a dad who represented all the honorary visitors who had come to visit that day.

BY CHINMAYA SHARMA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

With an inevitable influx of visitors expected on campus, it’s worthwhile to look back at how one of the University’s most cherished traditions has evolved over the decades. Prior to 1920, Dads Day Weekend was unheard of. It was “Bud” Hopkins, during an Alpha Delta Phi chapter meeting, who proposed to set aside a weekend for dads to come visit their children on campus.

The 1960–70s

The 1920s

The first Dads Weekend was largely a student-led initiative, intended to make fathers “familiar with the processes through which their children were going to obtain a higher education.” Nevertheless, it commenced with much fanfare, with 2,000 dads in attendance.

Classes that Friday of the weekend were open house, allowing fathers to sit in class with their children. Additionally, the weekend featured an ROTC parade.

After the football game, a vote concluded that Dads Weekend would become an annual tradition. The subsequent year saw the formation of the Illini Dads Association. The original association was comprised of five members, including a president, a vice president and a secretary. Among other member qualifications, having a child who attended the University was a must.

In the next few years, the Illini Dads Association grew exponentially in organizational strength. It featured an executive committee, whose members were elected at Dads Weekend. A general committee also existed, whose members were appointed by the association’s

ILLIO ARCHIVE

Robert Randall is crowned King Dad by Milt Davis, the president of the Dads Association in 1991.

This was a competition in which students voted on the best Illinois dad that year.

was organized to entertain guests, accompanied by music by Dick Cisne’s orchestra. Other The 1930s attractions included dolphin water carnivals, With cold weather unable to dampen spir- polo games and the Dads Day Banquet. its, dads and families were welcomed to wave orange flags around the campus. Among the The 1940–50s highlights of the weekend, the first Chicago With the United States fighting in World Blackhawks hockey exhibition took place and War II, the attendance for Dads Weekend conthe Illini won their first Big Ten football game siderably dipped due to the fact that nothing in a long time. was formally planned. Unsurprisingly, only Dads and family members were treated to a 500 dads attended the event in 1942. Notably, performance of “Remote Control” by the The- Dads Weekend was combined with Armistice atre Guild Production and a concert by the Uni- Day (Nov. 11) in order to commemorate those versity Orchestra. A special Dads Day Dance who lost their lives during the war. president.

Unfortunately, visitor attendance for Dads Weekend dipped during this time. After searching for possible remedies, the University concluded that it would increasingly showcase its primary product: its students.

Visitors were treated to concerts by James Taylor and the Dixieland Dads Jazz Band, in addition to wheelchair football games and gambling at the casino in the Illini Union.

The 1980–90s

The ’80s and ’90s saw a mammoth rise in the popularity of Dads Weekend, cementing its status as one of the University’s most cherished traditions. Naturally, the event was upscaled such that each day brimmed with activities that visiting families and students could engage in.

The “Dad’s Night Out” was hosted by Atius-Sachem and featured several live entertainment performances by a cappella groups, comedians and cheerleaders accompanied by the pep band.

Chinmaya is a freshman in Engineering. csharma4@dailyillini.com

Illinois students take time to recognize their motivating dads

BY KAOLIN SEWELL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As December creeps closer, ‘tis the season to give thanks and appreciate loved ones — especially our dads. In the midst of midterms and busy schedules, it can be hard to find time to recognize family.

However, this coming Dads Weekend is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a little time off with your dad.

As students, we reap the benefits of our family’s diligent preparation and planning for our futures. So, it is our turn to say thanks. The following are a few reasons why Illinois students are grateful for their dads.

Cory Moy, senior in Engineering, has made many memories with his father on campus. “My dad has influenced me in college by supporting my career choice.

He’s very understanding of the struggle of succeeding in a tough program,” Moy said.

From his past experiences with Dads Weekend, Moy has enjoyed his dad's company during fall football games in Memorial Stadium, cheering on the Illini alongside him.

Alia Sarah Asri, senior in LAS, recollects her father’s moving childhood. In a family of seven, her father was the firstborn son. Her father has been an inspiration on many levels and continues to be one during her last year on campus.

“He’s the only one who really prioritized academics,” Asri said. “Although he is awkward at times and not so good with words, he really means well and has good intentions.”

Hassan Rahim Kamil, junior in LAS, explains how his father has given him some great advice to follow throughout college and in life, as he was unsure about picking a major at the start of his college career. “The thrill of having the ‘eureka’ moment is ephemeral,” Kamil said.

He is also glad that his dad has inspired him to keep changing and growing as a person.

“My dad is a great man; he has encouraged me to keep an inquisitive mind and to be humble. I’ve been advised to continuously educate myself, which helps for an economics and statistics student like me,” Kamil said.

For some, it’s the little moments that mean the most.

“My dad and I play board games like chess and cribbage,” said Sarah Love, sophomore in LAS. Love plans to celebrate her second Dads Weekend a bit off campus with a new tradition: a fishing trip. “We are going to go to Lake of the Woods in Mahomet, Illinois,” Love said.

Even though not all dads can make the drive or flight to campus, there are memories to be made this weekend.

Sejal Patel, senior in AHS, said that

although his father isn’t attending Dads Weekend, he sends his best wishes. “He has told me to continually do the best that I can do in college," Patel said.

Patel’s father didn’t have much education growing up, and he worked hard to give him and his siblings a good education. “This is motivation for me to be the best student I can be, to achieve my goal and dream of becoming a dentist,” Patel said.

So this season, let your dad know just how much he means to you. This acknowledgment can be as simple as a quick phone call home or a handwritten letter addressed to your dad. Whether you plan to spend Dads Weekend on campus or visit home, take time this weekend to cherish your loved ones.

Kaolin Sewell is a graduate student in Media. ksewell2@dailyillini.com

The Daily Illini

Dad’s everlasting support continues after high school

BY ASHLEY RAYAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Thursday, November 9, 2017

7

ed me that whatever I chose, he would make it work as long as I promised to do my best.

After the trip, I knew that New York wasn’t for me, but Illinois was. I couldn’t bear the thought of being so far away from my family, and I knew the distance would be difficult on them too.

Finally, the day we were looking forward to all along came: move-in day. My family and I packed our minivan full with everything I could possibly need. My dad drove the 3 1/2 hours to Urbana and helped me move everything in.

Although he didn’t help organize or set anything up, he remained the same watchful, patient person he had been for my entire life.

He helped carry whatever was too heavy, and when my mom sobbed as she made my bed with my brand new comforter, he laughed and reassured her that I would be seeing them in just a few weeks.

When my siblings called me crying after they had gotten home from dropping me off, they told me my dad hadn’t shed a tear.

But whether or not he shows it, I know he misses me. From the constant, “How are your grades?” texts, to how he doesn’t even mention the numerous Starbucks charges on his card, I know my dad just misses me a little differently than anyone else I know.

Even when my younger siblings eventually took over my role at my local high school, he would beam as he FaceTimed me, telling me about how a teacher had referred to him as ‘Ashley’s dad.’ And every time I call home, my mom loves to chime in, “We all miss you, but no one misses you more than Dad.”

As I am the oldest of three children, my parents were pretty clueless when it was time for me to go to college. My dad came to the United States from India as an international student at North Dakota State University at Fargo in 1984. He was alone, young and naive, but he was also smart, driven and hardworking, ready to provide for his future family.

From my first day of high school, he set my sights on one thing: college. Although he hoped I would choose a STEM major, he encouraged me when I excelled in my English and history classes. He took pride in parent-teacher conferences, sporting events and journalism competitions.

When it came to the ACT, my dad was my own personal tutor. Through test prep classes, countless Kaplan practice exams and meticulous spreadsheets detailing question materials, he was there for it all. Every time I received my ACT score, he would be by my side. Although each score was good enough for me, he would push me to just score one more point.

The summer after my junior year, my dad and I made a road trip to visit colleges in the Midwest. We researched, planned and finally chose the schools I would apply to. When I received my first letter of acceptance, my dad was the first one to congratulate me. And when I received my first rejection letter he was the first one to comfort me.

In February 2017, we decided to visit two of my favorite schools in New York City. For four days we hung out, went on college visits and explored the city. Although I knew colAshley is a freshman in LAS. lege was a major financial burden, he remind- amrayan2@dailyillini.com

BENEFITS TO LIVING with

UNIVERSITY HOUSING Zero Meal Preparation No Toilets to Scrub Laundry Included Quick Commute to Class Friendship and Community One All-Inclusive Bill Per Semester 24/7 Maintenance Move-In Service Provided Easy Application Process Parent Approved

SIGN UP NOW

for

2018 - 2019 PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHLEY RAYAN

Ashley Rayan and her father, Geethan, on move-in day. This is often an emotional moment for parents; Rayan’s mom cried while making her bed on move-in day.

HOUSING.ILLINOIS.EDU/SIGNUP

Thursday, November 9, 2017

The Daily Illini

8 Use the QR code below to sign up for our

newsletter

and get headline news sent straight to your email!

dailyillini.com

JEREMY HU THE DAILY ILLINI

The entrance to the University of Illinois is on the corner of South Wright Street and University Avenue. This is often a popular place for students to take pictures when their families come to visit.

Places to go for the perfect photos on Dads Weekend

BY JULIE KANG CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Dads Weekend is the perfect opportunity to spend time with your family and friends, and there is no better way to make the memories last than by taking photos.

The University of Illinois has a large campus, so it may be difficult to pick out the best spots to capture moments from this precious weekend. Here are some of the most popular and aesthetic places to bring your parents to take pictures during Dads Weekend.

The most basic but necessary place to take pictures is in front of the University’s entrance marker, which is located on the corner of South Wright Street and University Avenue. It is a picture-perfect spot to show your love for the University. It’s a bonus if your dad is an alumnus because it will give the photo more sentimental value.

Alma Mater

Alma Mater is a bronze statue that most visitors stop by because it represents the University’s motto, “Learning and Labor.”

Memorial Stadium You can visit it before or after grabbing a Memorial Stadium is huge. You have meal on Green Street, as it is situated on dozens of places to take photos, whether it the corner of Green and Wright streets. A be inside or outside the stadium. Wear your long-time symbol of the University, Alma Illini gear and take photos during a footis picturesque, with Altgeld’s bell tower ball game, next to the Red Grange statue or and the colorful trees around it creating a in front of the stadium sign. Most dads love beautiful backdrop for your cheesy family football, so there is no doubt that both of photo. you will enjoy watching a game and taking KAM’S Alma Mater pictures.

If you are 19 or older, head over to KAM’S The University quads with your parents and get a photo with its The Main Quad is a beautiful place to Alma Mater painting. The bar has a replica take photos, especially in the fall with the of the statue wearing a large orange KAM’S autumn colors surrounding the buildings. shirt painted on the wall in the courtyard.

You can take pictures while giving your par- This is a popular photo site for students ents a personalized tour. Some good places and visitors alike. Take a picture here for include in front of Foellinger Auditorium, your Instagram page to show that you visaround the Illini Union and by the McFarited the legendary KAM’S with your parland Carillon, which is the bell tower on the ents. It’s bound to earn much respect from South Quad. Also, don’t forget to stop by the alumni and will be a fun memory to look Natural History Building, which is listed on back at for years to come. the National Register of Historic Places.

Julie is a freshman in Media.

UI entrance sign sekang2@dailyillini.com

The Daily Illini

Thursday, November 9, 2017

9

Choose a different weekend for dad to visit

BY MELISSA NIEMIEC STAFF WRITER

The dads are coming. And no, not to revolt against how much their children are costing tuition bills (though there will probably be plenty of those too) but to visit their kids, go to the football game and have a little fun on a weekend specifically for them. My father does not, and probably will not, participate in Dads Weekend, simply because I don’t want him to. This isn’t because I hate Dads Weekend or because I hate my dad. It comes down to a couple logical considerations.

One of my biggest issues with Dads Weekend is that although it is nice the University has set aside a special time for you and your dad, that also means it is a special time for 40,000 other students and their dads. Most students, like you, want to take their dads to eat, to see a movie, shop, go to the game and get a drink.

Every dad needs a hotel. On Dads Weekend, every restaurant, store and bar are packed with students and their dads. That means you have to go through the stress of getting food reservations, fighting the crowds in stores and setting up hotels way in advance. Why not just have him visit another weekend when you don’t have to

CONNOR CIECKO THE DAILY ILLINI

fight other people for space?

Also, due to this influx of people staying in the area, hotel rates skyrocket. According to The News-Gazette, prices can double or triple over Dads Weekend, and if you don’t book early, you might get stuck with a less desirable option. I’d rather my dad save some money and maybe even score a nicer hotel by coming on a different weekend.

Another consideration is how far in advance you need to book hotels and how that affects academic planning. You have to book so far ahead that it’s hard to know whether you will have a midterm, a project or time-consuming work for a club. I can’t plan my life that far in advance, and I would be frustrated if my work was rushed because of a weekend I could have planned

for any other time. It just seems like it’s easier halfway into the semester to say, “Hey dad, I’m pretty free on this date. You should come down!”

Dads Weekend is also exceptionally close to Thanksgiving break. This year, they are only a week apart. Why would I make my father drive all the way down to Champaign when I’m going to see him in a week?

That’s a lot of seeing my dad in two weeks.

Personally, I’d rather have him visit in one of those long stretches when there aren’t any breaks and it isn’t possible for me to go home, like from January through March.

Now I understand that for a lot of people Dads Weekend is a tradition, and that’s great. But it’s also OK if you don’t have your dad visit. There are plenty of kids who aren’t able to have a father figure come for the weekend for various reasons. Just team up to help each other find other activities to do during the weekend. You can try to avoid the mobs of middle-aged men reliving their glory days and shooting off dad jokes. Or enjoy them, because when it’s not your own father telling them, dad jokes are pretty great.

Melissa is a sophomore in LAS. mn3@dailyillini.com

BEST VALUE

First & Green Location Now Open

CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCATION

IN DOWNTOWN CHAMPAIGN Located at the old train station. Full bar open for lunch and dinner.

K

Studios 1 bedroom loft 2 bedrooms 3 bedrooms Houses on campus

from $585 from $730 from $785 from $1150 from $375/br

LATT

PROPERTIES

First & Green 60 E Green St, Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 355-6400

Downtown Champaign 110 N Chestnut St, Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 355-3611

217-367-6626 KLATTRENTALPROPERTIES.COM

Thursday, November 9, 2017

The Daily Illini

10

Sharing your dad on Dads Weekend isn’t half bad learn my lesson for the following year.

My sophomore year I was a lot more For two years, I’ve always felt like I only understanding, especially because that had half of a Dads Weekend. My dad has meant my brother was a senior and it was spent Dads Weekend with me for two years, his last year celebrating Dads Weekend. but he’s experienced it for a total of four Having already experienced Dads Weekend, years because my older brother went here.

I knew I wasn’t missing that much and I was My Dads Weekend overlapped with my more reasonable about going with the flow. brother’s until he graduated this past May. I noticed that I felt a lot more comfortBecause of this, I have not had the same able at my brother’s festivities because I experience as most of the other girls in my had become much more familiar with his sorority. friends and their dads from the previous Since I had to share my dad with my year. I had a greater appreciation for what brother, my dad was forced to split his was right in front of me, which was a group time between my brother’s friends and my of guys who went through four years of colfriends. It really bothered me my freshman lege together. year that I couldn’t have him all to myself.

Looking back on it, I realize that this Especially on my first Dads Weekend, I year’s Dads Weekend will be more different wanted my dad to get to know my friends than most. My dad and I still start to realize and vice versa, and I felt that he didn’t get as that our time together is winding down and much of a chance to do that. special occasions like this will be over soon.

I remember getting really upset while As I sit here now in my junior year, I feel talking to my mom on the phone because I more nostalgic than ever. After this weekwas so frustrated that my brother wouldn’t end, I will only have one Dads Weekend left, go to anything with my friends, yet I was along with the other annual celebrations expected to go to everything with his that I will only have one more of. friends.

My dad is a University alumnus, and he Looking back on it, it was really unfair to cherishes Dads Weekend more than most my dad for me to complain to my mom about because he gets to relive his college days, the tough situation he was in. I made sure to recall a million memories and teach us all

BY KYRA KIRSH STAFF WRITER

SABRINA ZHANG THE DAILY ILLINI

about what has changed since his time on campus.

After this year, he will only have one more year to do that because after that, there won’t be any excuse for him to come here. So this year, I will let him go on and on about what The Red Lion used to be called, let him take a tour of his fraternity’s chapter house and let him do all of the things that I would

have rolled my eyes at in the past.

I’ll do all of this because as my time here is dwindling down, so is his. Soon we will only be invited back on Homecoming Weekend, and we will all just be visitors with the rest of the alumni.

Kyra is a junior in Media. kkirsh2@dailyillini.com

THE DI

O! O B ys a s bo

WELCOMES

DADS FROM ALL AROUND

Congrats to

JESS & HER DOG BO on winning our DIHALLOWEENIE CONTEST, Sponsored by

Weiner Companies Ltd.!

GO ILLINI! DAD’S WEEKEND

2017

GO ILLINI!

GO ILLINI!

HEY HEY DAD! DAD! GO ILLINI!

The Daily Illini

Thursday, November 9, 2017

11

Local restaurants to eat at with your dad

Are you looking for a place for some bonding time with your father? Sports bars are the perfect choice. The atmosphere is alive with good vibes from everyone watching the game and enjoying drinks.

You can cheer, shout and toast for your team here.

Sports are a big deal at Fat City, but the beer comes first. The server can make up any drink you want and the bar frequently hosts live music events and shows. The food here is attractive too, especially the chicken wings and classic cheeseburgers.

BY YIFAN GU CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Dads play important roles in our lives.

They provide life lessons and always cheer us up when we are down. Dads Weekend is coming up soon. It is time for us to have a relaxed dinner with our dads to show how special they are and recall sweet memories. Luckily, here are some suggestions for you to perfect the day.

The Ribeye

Location: 1701 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820 Type: $$ Steakhouse, American (traditional) Want to have a nicer dinner with your father? The Ribeye has a laid-back atmosphere with dim lights and a cozy feel. It’s the perfect place for relaxing with your father.

“The one great steak place” doesn’t put on any airs. You’ll get a fresh ribeye steak, and the cuts can be as large as 32 ounces.

Each meal comes with a personal loaf of bread and an unlimited salad bar, which is enough of a meal without the meat.

Though steak is clearly the star, chicken and shrimp are also available as a pairing or as a solo meal. Any way you carve it, this place stands the test of time.

Chinatown Buffet

Location: 713 W. Marketview Drive,

Hamilton Walker’s JESSICA JUTZI THE DAILY ILLINI

Hamilton Walker’s, located at 201 N. Neil St. in Champaign, is just one restaurant to take your dad on Dads Weekend. Yifan Gu says Hamilton Walker’s is the place to take your dad if he likes seafood, but that it can get a little expensive.

Champaign, IL 61822 Type: $ Chinese, buffet, sushi bar Do you want to try a gluttonous feast with your dad? Plenty of restaurants are all you can eat, but Chinatown Buffet will be your best choice. This restaurant is outfitted with carved wall paintings and sculptures to create a cozy and inviting environment for family dinners.

For $11.59 ($7.99 at lunch) for weekdays and $12.59 for weekends, you get an unlimited plate of various and delicious Chi-

nese cuisines, appetizing Japanese sushi courses, well-cooked seafood and unlimited drinks, which change nightly. A whopping 50 different cuisines are available — everything from fresh seafood to crème desserts — so you can end your meal on a sweet note.

Fat City Bar and Grill

Location: 505 S. Chestnut St., Champaign, IL 61820 Type: $$ Sports bar, beer, wine & spirits

Location: 201 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820 Type: $$$ Seafood, steakhouse, bar If your dad likes seafood, Hamilton Walker’s is worth a try. It has captured the charm of fresh seafood, fine steaks and flawless service from waiters in waistcoats.

Start with a shrimp cocktail or crab cakes, enjoy the lobster and crab bisque, then move to the seafood and steak combination entrée. This could include a New York strip with lobster tail and a side of au gratin potatoes, or slow roasted prime rib of beef with creamed horseradish sauce and au jus. Finally, finish your meal with a triple layer chocolate cake or bread pudding.

Yifan is sophomore in LAS. yifangu3@dailyillini.com

Other things to do if your dad doesn’t like football

BY YOAV MARGALIT STAFF WRITER

and 13 Café Credits, depending on the time of day.

Hanging out with the people you love is something anybody can get behind. It’s not hard to look forward to the big football game when everyone knows they will have a good time. But as Dads Weekend approaches, some people might start asking, “What if my dad doesn’t like football?”

It’s a good question, but, thankfully, there are also plenty of good answers. If your dad decides to come down for the weekend, then he’s not there for a game of football in the first place — he is there to spend quality time with his kid.

Walking around

Getting a meal

Getting a drink

The University isn’t lacking in culinary options. A walk down Green Street has something for almost anybody. Everybody loves to eat delicious food, so grab a meal and catch up. The point is to relax and enjoy the time with your dad, so why not take an hour or two to talk over good food? If you’re in University Housing, you can even take him to your dining hall for a meal for between eight

If he has come down this weekend, he’s probably looking to see how life is where you live. Unless he’s an alumnus, your dad is probably down here exclusively to see what your college life is like. You can solve his curiosity while bonding if you take him through the steps of your life at the University. If he hasn’t already seen the Main Quad or some of the buildings you frequent, showing him around is a great way to chat while he’s here.

This could mean knocking back a beer or sipping a coffee. If you don’t want to (or can’t) drink alcohol, then you can still get a coffee or tea. My favorite spot to grab coffee is Latté Da, the cafe in Lincoln Hall. Pick your favorite venue and take him there to enjoy it.

At the end of the day, all that really matters is you get to spend a little bit of quality time with your dad. If he isn’t the kind of person

BRIAN BAUER THE DAILY ILLINI

There are many restaurants to try on Green Street. Pick one to go to on Dads Weekend and enjoy spending time with your dad.

who likes football, that’s fine; there are plenty of other things to do. He’s here to share in your life, so there’s no reason to fret that you might not find something to do. All you need to do is find a middle ground where you

can both be yourselves, and enjoy the quality time this weekend.

Yoav is a junior in LAS. yoavm2@dailyillini.com

Thursday, November 9, 2017

12

The Daily Illini