"Students' families can join in the Southeast spirit during the two exciting sports events planned for Family Weekend," said Diane Sides, Family Weekend coordinator and director of University Relations. "We also have several informational sessions and activities planned for families to learn more about the Southeast experience, as well as opportunities for family recreation and relaxation."

The works of Violet Baxter, a New York artist, will be on display the entire weekend at the University Museum. The exhibition, titled "The View from Union Square," features 45 oils, watercolors and pastels that capture the changing moods and seasons of an historic New York neighborhood. An opening reception will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, and Baxter will give a gallery talk on her art at 5 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6, the exhibit will be open from noon to 4 p.m. The Museum also includes several permanent collections and artwork.

The Southeast soccer team, last year's Ohio Valley Conference champions, will take on Eastern Illinois University on Friday at 7 p.m. at Houck Stadium. Tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for youth and can be purchased at the door. More information on the Southeast soccer team is available at www.gosoutheast.com.

Saturday, Oct. 5, is full of activities for the entire family, including the Scully Education Building Open House; and a free brunch and open discussion session with students, faculty and staff, and guest speakers, who will be on hand to answer questions. Family members also can get a feel for an authentic "Southeast" experience with lunch at the Towers Cafeteria or the University Center Café Court. After lunch, students and their families can enjoy a not-so-lazy afternoon of fun at the Student Recreation Center, which features 90,000 square feet of recreational space. Games, contests and sports-related activities will provide competition for the entire family.

Southeast's newest residence hall will be showcased on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. The new hall features 291 bed suites and many amenities. An open house of this ultra-modern, five-story facility will include guided tours, and staff will be on hand to answer questions about the new building.

Join the action as Southeast battles the Tennessee State Tigers at 6 p.m. at Houck Stadium. Reserved seats for the game are $10, general admission seats are $7, youth ages 7-18 are $3, and children 6 and under are free. University students are admitted free with their student ID. Tickets may be ordered by calling (573) 651-2113 or toll-free 866-SEMO-TIK. Check out www.gosoutheast.com for more information about this year's gridiron squad and hear what the coaches have to say about this exciting match-up.

Following the game, be sure to stick around and be entertained by the music of "Manitou," the Heartland's finest good-time band. Enjoy dancing under the stars to a variety of music including oldies, country/western, and today's top 10 tunes. Admission to the concert is included in the price of the football tickets.

Students and their families can finish their weekend in style with the annual Family Weekend Brunch hosted by Kenneth W. Dobbins, Southeast president, on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the University Center. Cost is only $6.50 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 6 and under are free.

For more information on Family Weekend or to access a complete listing of events, go to www.semo.edu/familyweekend.