Dads Weekend 2015 Tuesday, november 10, 2015
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
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Marching Illini and Illinettes perform with dads STAFF WRITER
M
embers of the Marching Illini and the Illinettes Dance Team put in countless hours of practice to prepare for their shows throughout the year. But, during the Dads Weekend game, there is an additional element of fun as their fathers join in the performance. Caitlin Grant, sophomore in AHS, started dancing when she was three years old, and has not stopped since. Through the years, one of her biggest supporters has been Doug Grant, her dad. He came to all of her recitals and competitions and danced with her at Dads Weekend events. This weekend will be the sixth time he has joined his daughter in a routine. “In high school, it was just in front of the team, coaches and parents, but last year was in front of a lot more people,” Caitlin said. Luckily, her father is willing to perform in front of the large crowd, and enjoys the time he gets to spend on campus with Caitlin. “Dads Day gives the parents an opportunity to take part in some of the activities that our kids are passionate about in college,” Grant wrote in an email. “We get a firsthand look into how much time and practice is needed for the Marching Illini and Illinettes to look as great as they do at each performance.”
The sophomore Illinettes have choreographed the dance for this year, which will incorporate the whole team and all 28 dads. Caitlin said they will rehearse the dance on the morning of the Dads Weekend game, but during the game, they will also be calling out the moves in case the dads forget them. She said seeing her dad dance is always entertaining. “You never see him dance unless he has to, which means it’s really funny when he’s out there,” Caitlin said. For George Couston, junior in Engineering and a member of the Marching Illini’s clarinet section, this weekend will be special because it’s the first time his dad will be on the field with him. Couston said his dad was the one who took him to campus when he was auditioning for the Marching Illini, and he’s excited to be able to share part of the experience of being on the field with him. “Having him come down here and take the time to make the three-hour drive means so much,” Couston said. He elaborated that like every show, the Marching Illini pay great attention to detail in preparation for the weekend, but the members know that the dads will be bringing an additional atmosphere of fun to the performance. Daniel Knobloch, senior in Engineering,
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said the Dads Weekend show will be especially memorable for him because it’s the last time he and other Marching Illini seniors will take to the field as Illinois students. “We all know it’s going to be a fun environment. We have a song that will focus on the dads, and we’re looking to enjoy our time on the field,” he said. Knobloch’s entire family is coming to campus on Friday, but he said the weekend will really begin with the Marching Illini’s Dads Weekend practice early Saturday morning. “(My dad has) been a huge supporter. He’s not musical himself, but he’s always been there to watch,” Knobloch said. “He’s a huge photo enthusiast; I don’t remember a time he’s not been taking photos of the section.” For all three of the students, Dads Weekend serves as an opportunity to show their fathers how they spend their time at the University. “We aren’t really around our parents much. It’s nice to have a weekend to show them what goes on around campus,” Caitlin said. Besides being a tradition for the students performing, the Dads Weekend show is also always immensely entertaining for the crowd to watch. “The MI dad’s kick line is second to none!” Couston said.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF CAITLIN GRANT
Caitlin Grant, a member of the Illinettes Dance Team, has a tradition of dancing with her dad, Doug, during Dads Weekend.
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Students, fathers reflect on their time at UI BY MILI PANDYA STAFF WRITER
It’s 1983. The Illini football team holds a record-breaking 9-0 finish in the Big Ten. Foellinger Auditorium is not yet named “Foellinger Auditorium.” Roger DiGiulio is a junior studying Civil Engineering, while Ed Steinweg is a sophomore in Computer Science. It’s 2015. Freshmen in LAS Ellie DiGiulio and Delanie Steinweg now follow in their fathers’ footsteps after deciding to attend their alma mater. Much has changed since each of their fathers were students here, while some things seem to be the same as they were 32 years ago. A noticeable difference that the two men have noticed between then and now is in the campus itself. Some of the buildings and locations that students are accustomed to weren’t around back then. “I spent most of my time on the Engineering Quad which was home to the men’s baseball team, at the time,” DiGiulio said in an e-mail. “The Engineering Quad and the South Quad are now firmly established, many of the dorms have been
modernized, and downtown Cham- quick slice of their favorite pizza, paign, which was a place to be avoid- back then the go-to for a slice of deep ed at night, is now has a trendy cul- dish was Garcia’s Pizza . “For home football games they tural scene.” Delanie said she thinks the cam- would fly a tomato-shaped hot air balloon because they were pus is a lot more developed than it nicknamed the ‘home of was when her dad the flying tomato,’” DiGwas here. iulio said. The traditions and “They’ve done a lot of renovaatmosphere at sporting events have changed sigtions, and there are lot more highnificantly. While there rise apartments may not have been a deshere now,” Delaignated student section nie said. at football games back then, many students still But some places, such as the ELLIE DIGIULIO tailgated and attended. FRESHMAN IN LAS Union, were fre“I think the best quented back part about the games then for much of was that we were still allowed to have Chief Illiniwek out the same reasons they are now. “It was a good place to relax and on the field,” Steinweg said. unwind between classes. In my days, Nowadays, not only is Chief Illinithere were a lot more video games in wek no longer allowed to perform at the basement. We didn’t have video sporting events, but student particigames on our TV so we used to go pation at these games has declined. relax down there and play,” Stein“I think that attending the football weg said. and basketball games was more of a While students now may head to big deal during his years at school,” Antonio’s or Second Story to grab a Ellie said. “People today still have
“My dad always texts me on Saturdays to make sure I am going (to the football game).”
PHOTO COURTESY OF DELANIE STEINWEG
Delanie Steinweg (second from left) comes from an Illini family. Her father, Ed (right), is a University alumnus, as well as her two brothers. a lot of Illini pride, but they don’t always go to games, and my dad always texts me on Saturdays to make sure I am going.” Whether it be 1983 or 2015, there is one thing that will never change.
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“It was, and still is, a Big Ten university where you gain from strong academics, good friends and a lot of great opportunities,” DiGiulio said.
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Tuesday, November 10, 2015
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Professor’s son stays close to home at UI BY LILLIAN BARKLEY
F
ASSISTANT COPY CHIEF
or most students, Dads Weekend is a time for fathers to cheer on the Illini and see their kids for the first time in months. But things are a little different for Sam Leroy, who is always within walking distance of his father’s office on campus. “Some weeks it could be a quick, ‘Hi, bye,’ in Huff Hall, or I drop into his office and there we are an hour later talking about who knows what,” said Sam, sophomore in Business. His father is Michael Leroy, professor of labor and employment relations and of law. Leroy earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University before returning to teach in 1986. “It was strange when I came back, because I was in a very different role,” he said. “I had to be a different person and figure out how to be a professor.” His son’s enrollment at the University has allowed him to see things from another perspective. “Whatever the controversies are at the campus level, especially at the undergraduate level, life thrives here and student culture is constructive and positive,” he said. “It’s helped to ground me in a very important way.” After seeing the honors courses Sam was offered, Professor Leroy started his own course, which Sam’s roommate and friend took. “I felt guilty that my colleagues were offering these wonderful programs and I had not stepped up to the plate,” he said. Sam and his father also participate in traditional Dads Weekend activities: They
both said last year’s Iowa game was one of their favorite memories. As a member of Block I, Sam invited his parents to join the card section, and his dad bought him a hot dog. “We shared the hot dog, and I went back to my seat. It was perfectly good,” Leroy said. Sam’s Illini pride isn’t surprising — he grew up close to campus, both literally and figuratively. “Growing up around here and having my dad on the faculty gave me an early insight into how the University ticked at a level
heartedly agreed. “It was because of the relationship I have with both of my parents that I was comfortable being able to come to the University of Illinois and be so close to this campus,” he said. “They respected that it was my college career and not theirs.” Sam’s parents wanted his experience to be independent, and they were too busy with their own lives to micromanage their son’s, Leroy said. “It’s kind of fun when something positive happens for Sam, and we’re the last
“That was a pretty neat experience to be able to sit together in that setting as a dad and son and be able to talk about the most important issues on this campus.” MICHAEL LEROY PROFESSOR OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS AND LAW
that most students wouldn’t be aware of,” Sam said. “(My dad) never divulged any secrets, but I paid attention to what was going on because I knew that it mattered in my household.” Sam and his siblings all went to Uni High, so seven years of his education have been at the University. “It’s only matched by Ph.D. students, and that’s kind of insane, except I don’t get a Ph.D.,” he said. When the time came for college, Leroy said Sam’s options were never limited to the University — Sam’s sister went to Michigan and his brother went to Indiana. Sam whole-
to know,” he said. “It speaks to his independence and our respectful distance from him.” However, when Sam compares his experience with how often his peers see their parents, he doesn’t feel much distance. “I don’t view it as a bad thing, I just view it as saying, ‘Hello,’ and not compromising that autonomy,” he said. “It’s a small campus.” Last spring, Sam and his father got to spend time together on the Illinois State Senate. “That was a pretty neat experience to be able to sit together in that setting as a dad
and son and be able to talk about the most important issues on this campus,” Sam said. “He and I just really deeply care about the U. of I. It’s just a hobby that we share.” Though Sam will schedule lunch with his dad, it’s not unusual for them to see each other on the street, at games or at services for Jewish high holidays. “I think that almost makes it more special that it is spontaneous,” Sam said. Some of Sam’s independence comes from living away from home, which he and his dad said was never even questioned. “The most essential part of the college experience is not in the classroom: it’s engaging with your fellow students,” Leroy said. Sam echoed his father’s sentiment: “The most important things I’ve learned in college are not from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.” Leroy’s appreciation of residence halls dates back to his time in the dorms. “My dad had the reputation of ‘Passthe-tray Leroy at FAR,’” Sam said. Sam’s mom and her friends would wait and talk in front of the dining hall before it opened. His father “would be one of the first ones there and pass all the trays out to the girls as they were walking in, and that’s how he met my mom.” Though Sam said he isn’t sure what he’ll do after graduation, he would be glad to have a third Leroy generation go to the University. “My parents met here, my brother and sister went here for grad school and now me,” he said. “University of Illinois is a part of my family.”
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What’s the best advice your dad has given you? jroh5@dailyillini.com
BY ARIEL ROH STAFF WRITER
“Work hard in everything you do.” – RYAN PINTAR, JUNIOR IN LAS
“Put yourself first.” – SHOUNAK RAY, FRESHMAN IN ENGINEERING
“It doesn’t matter what grades you get. What matters is that you gave it your all and learn from the experience, because in the real world we are not defined by grades. We are defined by our work ethic.” – VIVIAN HONG, FRESHMAN IN FAA
“Have goals in your life and do everything you can to achieve them.” – BEGUM KASAP, SENIOR IN ENGINEERING
“Be happy and be yourself.” – JIANING XU, FRESHMAN IN LAS
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Tuesday, November 10, 2015
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His Majesty, King Dad BY BROOKS BERISH
T
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
his year, like so many years before it, the dads of the round table convened to cast their vote on whom they should bestow the honorable title of King Dad. The process, embedded in tradition, carefully considers each nomination, as the high degree of excellent contenders makes for a rather competitive selection — especially now. “This year, we had a really tough decision because of all the really good essays,” said Michael Muscatella, member of the Dads Association Board of Directors. “So, it was pretty competitive.” Muscatella is in charge of soliciting the nominations and then compiling all of the board members’ votes to determine the next King Dad. Normally, they average about 25 to 30 nominations, but this year the Board members had to read a few more essays, making their final vote all the more difficult to narrow down. “This year, we had 33 nominations, which is the most we’ve had in several years,” Muscatella said. All students at the University are welcome to nominate their fathers for King Dad. Each student must submit an essay outlining the ideal paternal characteristics that their father exemplifies, the extent to which he fulfills his commitment as their loving father and how he acts as a role model. “What they’re looking for is a dad that exemplifies all of those qualities: support, leadership, service to the kids and to the college,” said Muscatella. Last year, the Dads Association crowned Christopher Downes as King Dad. Along with the many philanthropic and community endeavors that he’s involved in, Downes is a
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Christopher Downes was crowned King Dad at Memorial Stadium last year. pretty exemplary dad, according to his daughter, Kathleen Downes. The following is an excerpt from Kathleen’s nomination essay from last year, posted on the King Dad website: “My dad is the greatest man I will ever know. He is the most loving, generous, kind person anyone could hope to meet, and he treats his role as my father as the best job in the world.” The coronation of the King Dad takes place at the annual Friday Night Dads Association Reception, held at the Illini Union on Friday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m. The King is crowned and receives his engraved scepter, along with an engraved desk clock. Although it’s not exactly Westminster Abbey, the reception at the Union is a great way to kick off Dads Weekend. “I would encourage everybody to come
out to the King Dad reception,” Muscatella said. “We have entertainment … We have hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and then we’ve got the King Dad presentation, so there’s a lot going on.” Two a cappella groups will be performing at the reception: Girls Next Door and No Strings Attached. People can also pick up their tickets at the reception for the Dads Association sponsored events over the weekend. King Dad is invited to all of these events and is even recognized on the football field during the halftime show, where he is crowned yet again. “The King Dad kind of resides over the weekend,” Muscatella said. Along with the ceremonious crowning, King Dad will also receive a $100 gift certificate to the Illini Union Bookstore. The Dad with the
second most votes gets a $75 gift certificate and third place gets a $50 gift certificate. All of the other nominations that did not place among the top three will receive a certificate acknowledging that their sons or daughters nominated them. However, the purpose of King Dad is not solely to earn prizes and recognition, but rather to provide for a more lasting cause. “The entire Dads Weekend is the fundraiser for all the things the Dads Association sponsors. King Dad is just one activity of the weekend,” said Greg Allen, chair of the philanthropy committee of the board for the Dads Association, in an email. “More of a recognition of dads as a whole.” The Dads Association, through events over Dads Weekend, funds scholarships and grants. They provide eight scholarships worth $2,000 each to students and eight grants of up to $2,000 to any RSO. “The RSOs submit their grant applications and we review those at the board level, and we decide which grants we can award based on those nominations. The scholarships are based on a combination of need and achievement,” Muscatella said. The Dads Association encourages students and RSOs to apply for the grants and scholarships. Every so often, the Dads Association will have enough funds left over where they can do a special project for the school. For example, last year the Dads Association donated one ATV to the U. of I. police force so they could provide more assistance to the students. “We have a good time,” Muscatella said. “Dads spend time with their kids, but the bigger picture is we raise a lot of money and we give it all back to the students.”
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International dads absent BY ARIEL ROH STAFF WRITER
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ads Weekend is regarded as a happy time for students to bond with their fathers. However, many international students interpret Dads Weekend differently than most domestic students on campus. Xuezhu Yu, a Chinese student and freshman in LAS, said she feels jealous of other students during Dads Weekend. “I become sentimental, missing my dad and all other family members,” Yu said. “On Dads Weekend, I try to shift my focus on hanging out more with international friends whose fathers also could not visit UIUC so that I could avoid thinking about this special day too much.” Jian Zu, junior in LAS, has been away from his homeland, China, for six years. “I don’t have any feeling for Dads Day because this is the day that I cannot get involved. My dad cannot come to the U.S. due to his hectic schedule. Besides, I have no experience for this day in China. So, I am fine with it,” Zu said. Yi-Wei Chiu, a Chinese student and junior in LAS, has been in the U.S. for five years. He won’t be able to spend the weekend with his father. “Actually, I invited him for Dads Weekend, but he couldn’t make it due to his job. Besides, the distance from China to U.S. is too long. It takes almost one day to arrive in U.S. from China by flight,” Chiu said. Julio Cesar, a Brazilian international student, expressed feelings of sadness toward
Dads Weekend. He explained that he used to celebrate a similar holiday in Brazil, where he would prepare surprises, gifts and a good lunch. However, going to school at the University has changed the tradition for him. “Now that I am in (the) U.S., apart from my family, Dads Day is a painful day for me. It is just a day that I miss everything related to my family, as well as my home country,” Cesar said. Many international students, including Yu, Zu, Cesar and Chiu, do not want to participate in any Dads Weekend events on campus. However, they are eager to do activities together or at least call their fathers. “I would make a phone call or Skype with my dad to listen his voice on Dads Day because I barely talk to my dad, trying not to make him worried about me,” Yu said. Chiu said he would like to spend time in the U.S. with his parents at some point if time allows, because he only gets to spend one or two weeks with his parents every year. “So, I want it to be special. When we meet, we talk over diverse topics while traveling. This year, we went to New York together,” Chiu said. Zu said he wants to take his parents to Chicago sometime because he’s never been there. “I also want to write poems for my dad while traveling together because that is our unique way to communicate. I think it is fun to do with my dad,” Zu said.
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Dads Association sets up events BY RABIA ILYAS STAFF WRITER
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ne of the most exciting weekends for University dads — and their families — is right around the corner. Dads Weekend allows students to share some of their favorite events, restaurants and places on campus with their dads. With many sororities, fraternities and organizations planning exciting events for this weekend, it’s not difficult to find something entertaining to do. The Dads Association, comprised of University students’ dads, plans and hosts some of the most popular events on campus. “The events are generally traditional year to year,” said Todd Probasco, president of the Dads Association. The events this year will include the Illini hockey game, the annual barbecue, a football game against Ohio State, a concert on Saturday night and a brunch to end the weekend. Proceeds from the events go toward academic scholarships and grants. “It is a really fun weekend that gives us the opportunity to raise funds, but also see students have a good time with their families,” Probasco said. While all the events are popular, Probasco
said the football game and concert are usually the highlights of the weekend for most. Phil Schaefer, vice president of Dads Association, said he finds the football game most entertaining because it’s where King Dad is recognized. King Dad, a yearly honorary event recognizing a select group of students and their dads, is selected by the Dads Association through essay nominations. The concert this year, which will be at Foellinger Auditorium on Saturday night, will be performed by a Beatles tribute band. “It’s a great event because it brings together all ages,” said Probasco. Members of the Dads Association aren’t just busy during Dads Weekend. From funding grant programs affiliated with the University, to attending alumni functions, to working with the University during Summer Orientation, the Dads Association plays an integral role on campus year-round. “We are a philanthropic organization, and in participating in outreach events and serving as a resource for both students and parents, we make a positive impact on the entire student body at the University,” Michael Muscatella, a member of the board of directors of the Dads Association, said.
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SUPPLEMENTS STAFF SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR ABRAR AL-HEETI ASSISTANT SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR VICTORIA SNELL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEGAN JONES MANAGING EDITOR FOR REPORTING DECLAN HARTY MANAGING EDITOR FOR ONLINE MIRANDA HOLLOWAY CREATIVE DIRECTOR KELSIE TRAVERS ASSISTANT DESIGN EDITOR NATALIE GACEK COPY CHIEF SUSAN SZUCH ASSISTANT COPY CHIEF LILLIAN BARKLEY PUBLISHER LILYAN LEVANT Email supplements@dailyillini. com
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
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Dads Weekend 2015:
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, Nov. 13
Saturday, Nov. 14
Sunday, Nov. 15
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Welcome Reception and Ticket Pickup (Illini Union Room C and South Lounge)
8: 30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dads Weekend Rock Concert: American English, The Complete Beatles Tribute (Follinger Auditorium)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dads Association Sunday Brunch (Illini Union Rooms ABC)
7 p.m. Films at the Union: Southpaw (Illini Union Pine Lounge) 7:30 p.m. Illinois Hockey vs. Iowa State (University of Illinois Ice Arena) 8 p.m. Friday Night Comedy feat. Spicy Clamato and DeBono Improv (Illini Union Courtyard Cafe)
9 a.m. Dads Association Pre-Game BBQ (Athletics and Recreation Center) 11 a.m. Football Game: Illinois vs. Ohio State (Memorial Stadium) 8 p.m. Films at the Union: Southpaw (Illini Union Pine Lounge)
COMPILED BY ISABELLA JACKSON
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Tuesday, November 10, 2015
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