By Laura Pochydylo, '14

Jazmine Kenny's parents weren't able to make the trip from Los Angeles, California to Knox College's midwestern campus for Family and Friends Weekend, so her three aunts from around the region rose to the occasion to visit the sophomore student.

Kristine Hough, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Clorita Kenny from Springfield, Illinois; and Patty Beck from the north suburbs of Chicago converged on Galesburg for a weekend of experiencing Knox with their niece.

Family and Friends weekend activities included athletic events, receptions, bookstore shopping, info sessions on careers and research, and meals with family -- in the Hard Knox Cafe on campus, as well as restaurants throughout Galesburg.

"We got to see everything from the eyes of a student," Hough said. "We ate, walked, and watched soccer and football like a student." The Mexican food in the cafeteria was "so delicious," she said.

"It was great to tour the campus with Jazmine," Beck said. "She pointed out all of the architecture and remodeling that is going on."

"I wanted to take them to small businesses around town," Kenny said, "to show them the side of Galesburg I've experienced and that I love." Last spring, Kenny helped repaint a house in Galesburg through the Christmas in Action community group, and this fall she was selected as a KnoxCorps Associate to serve in a volunteer position at the YMCA of Knox County.

Other friends and family who returned to campus:

Sally Marver made the annual trip to visit her daughter Jodi '15, at Knox this year, visiting from Northbrook, Illinois.

"We come every year," Sally said.

Mother and daughter agreed that the men's soccer team win against Grinnell was one of the best parts of the weekend. "It was such an exciting game," Jodi said.

After the President's Reception in the Taylor Lounge, Jodi and Sally headed to The Cellar in Galesburg for pizza.

Your reporter, senior Laura Pochydylo, was happy to host her family -- parents Mark and Carol Pochodylo, and sister Julie -- from Dublin, Ohio, for their fourth and final Family and Friends weekend.

"It was great to see our daughter," Carol said, "and we really enjoyed visiting with her sorority friends." Mark also agreed that the Tri Delta alumnae luncheon was the highlight, but also enjoyed watching the Prairie Fire men's soccer team win in overtime.

"We always enjoy our fall visit to Galesburg," Mark said.

In Pictures: Family and Friends Weekend 2013 at Knox College