Junior Parents Weekend (JPW) began in 1953 at Notre Dame as a single-day event called “Parents-Son Day.” Over time, it evolved into a full weekend of events designed to give families an immersive experience of life on campus.
Today, the weekend is filled with special events, including receptions, academic presentations and a formal dinner, all celebrating the bond between students, their families and the University.
The 2025 Junior Parents Weekend at Notre Dame kicked off on Feb. 14 with events such as the Global Student and Parent Mixer, a Trident Naval Society tour and a lecture by author Eliza Griswold. Feb. 15 was packed with activities, including academic workshops, Residence Life open houses, the class of 2026 Mass and the President's Dinner. The weekend concluded on Feb. 16 with a continental breakfast and the opportunity to get family portraits.
Emma Vales, the junior class council president at Notre Dame, reflected on her experience speaking at the JPW President’s Dinner.
“It was definitely one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of my life,” Vales said. But iIt was so fulfilling to hear that my speech inspired others to practice gratitude in their daily lives. I didn’t expect my short remarks to have such a lasting impact on my classmates and their families, but I’m so glad it did,” she added.
JPW is a student-led event organized, this year, by co-chairs Nina Padanilam and Matthew Stiles. A committee of 12 juniors assisted in the planning while 35 sophomore volunteers, along with many other student workers, helped execute the event.
“The planning process began right after fall break,” Padanilam said. “The committee met together for a couple of hours every week to help organize and delegate tasks.”
Padanilam saw JPW as a perfect use of her leadership skills as well as a way to give back to the Notre Dame community.
“I remember attending JPW for my brother seven years ago and how special of an event it was for him and my parents,” Padanilam said. “I want to make sure my class has the same experience as we celebrate our parents and guardians for all that they do.”
“My parents and I enjoyed the junior class council Kahoot trivia event,” junior political science major Andrew Ryan said. “As a member of the junior class council, it was fun to show my parents the type of events that we work on.”
“Junior Parents Weekend was an opportunity to share the experience and spirit of Notre Dame with those who have supported it from the start,” junior finance major Ashley Flick said. “I'm thankful for the opportunity to step back, reflect and celebrate the people and traditions that make Notre Dame more than just a university.”
Irvine Assoumou, a sophomore JPW volunteer, shared it was “heartwarming to see how proud all the parents were of their kids.”
While assisting with the photo booth for the College of Engineering’s academic workshop, Assoumou observed how excited the parents were to participate in the activities and celebrate their child's achievements.
“As a sophomore, it made me look forward to my own JPW events because it is such a beautiful tradition that we have,” Assoumou said.
