UP Parent Newsletter
UP Parent Newsletter
UP Parents
UP Parent Newsletter: December 2019
A Christmas Blessing from the Congregation of Holy Cross
Gracious God,
We turn to you in wonder and praise as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.
Remind us during this sacred season of our collective story. May our roots extend deep into the soil of faith and spread outwards to share the Good News of Christ’s coming.
Focus our attention so that we remain attentive to the sights, sounds, and joy of this season. May the presence of Christ be at the forefront of our thoughts and actions in these final days of Advent as we prepare for Christmas.
Fill us with hope. May our hearts be filled with peace, compassion, and gratitude.
We ask this all through Christ our Teacher. Amen. 
Prayer provided by Fr. Ed Obermiller, C.S.C. 
Special Assistant to the Vice President for University Relations
Pastoral Resident, Kenna Hall

A Window into Pilot Life
Video of Little Drummer Boy
As students wrapped up projects and finals for the semester, there were also plenty of holiday festivities around campus! Take a look at UP’s holiday carolers, Santa’s visit to The Bluff, and a special performance of the Little Drummer Boy.
Photo of carolers around Christmas tree Photo of Bruch with Santa

Having Your Pilot Home Again
As students arrive home, you may be experiencing their mountains of laundry, exhaustion from finals, and testing of house rules. This is a time of adjustment for both the family and the college student, but also a time of joy, quality family time, and valuable conversations. Here are some things to consider while your Pilot is back home! Check out additional resources by browsing Collegiate Parent's Home for the Holidays collection.

First-Year & Sophomore Family Weekend 
Registration is now live for First-Year & Sophomore Family Weekend, which will be held from Friday, February 14– Sunday, February 16, 2020. Highlights include residence hall open houses and socials, a pregame lunch before a Women’s basketball game, various entertainment on Saturday evening, and Mass on Sunday. Check out the Family Weekend website for more details and make plans with your student during the holiday break. Registration is due by January 31, 2020.

New Grotto on Campus
At the end of November, a new candle grotto was installed and dedicated in the Marian Garden next to the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. Lighting candles as a physical representation of one’s prayers is a long standing religious tradition, both in the Catholic faith and in other religions. Placed close to the statue of Mary, the grotto provides a space for members of the UP community to light a candle at any time. While donations will be accepted, students who are not able to make a donation are still encouraged to participate.

First Year Focus
New students often arrive on The Bluff with a clear plan in mind, but some find that the first semester brings with it the realization that they want to change the path ahead. Craig Swinyard '98, mathematics professor and Director of Alumni & Parent Relations, shares his personal experience as a Pilot and suggests ways for parents to navigate these difficult conversations.

Connecting with the Pilot Network
As they progress through their college years, some students start to feel apprehension about the future once they leave The Bluff. The good news is that there is a vast network of Pilot alumni and parents ready to assist students and new graduates! Your student can start connecting with the Pilot network while they are home on break. Read more here.

25 Days 'til Christmas
This month, the UP community is celebrating the Advent Season with our 25 Days ’til Christmas online calendar. So far, we’ve shared Advent prayers, cookie recipes, historical winter photos of campus and more. Join us in counting down the days until Christmas with a new surprise each day.

Important Dates and Deadlines
Stay up to date on upcoming financial, academic, and residence life deadlines for students. 

Learn about upcoming fun and educational events available to your student at UP.

Looking for UP events that you can participate in? Check out these upcoming local and regional events open to parents.

What We're Reading
Each year, UP celebrates literature by inviting students, faculty, and staff to read “one book together.” This year’s selection is The Leavers. Set in New York and China, The Leavers is a vivid and moving examination of borders and belonging. It’s the story of how one boy comes into his own when everything he’s loved has been taken away—and how a mother learns to live with the mistakes of her past. Ask your student if they are participating in ReadUP, and consider reading it yourself!
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