Baker University hosted its annual Family Day Saturday giving parents and students an opportunity to spend time together and take part in various activities.

<br/>View photos from Family Day.<a href="http://www.bakeru.edu/orangeline/0708slideshows/familyday" target="_blank">View photos from Family Day.</a>
View photos from Family Day.

Director of Student Activities Cassie Gilmore said numbers were up from last year.

“We probably had close to 500 people here,” she said. “We had a much larger turnout than last year. A major portion were families of freshmen.”

Parents and students were able to take part in ice cream under the arbor and attend the men’s soccer and football games or the women’s volleyball game. Parents were also able to visit with University President Pat Long.

“I’m really pleased with the turnout,” Gilmore said. “The sporting events were amazing; it was icing on the cake for all the teams to win.”

Freshman Aaron Schopper said he led his parents on a tour of the campus and showed them where he takes classes. His father, John Schopper, said he enjoyed learning where his son spends all his time.

“I came to see my son, who I miss, meet some of his friends and see what he does all day,” John Schopper said.

His mother, Debbe Schopper, said the family had a special reason for coming to see their son during Family Day.

“We just had to come check out the one child who moved away,” she said.

The goal of checking up on their son or daughter was shared by many parents.

“It’s kind of a first opportunity for parents to take part in the school,” Gilmore said.

Sophomore Brandi Dority, a transfer student, said Family Day was more relaxed and informal than her previous college experiences. Her father, Dennis Dority, said the day was planned well and full of activities.

“The times for everything overlapped so people could move from one event to the next,” he said.

Many parents like Lanette Ellis, mother of freshman Matt Ellis, said they came to Family Day to support their children. However, freshman Matt Ellis said he saw the day in a completely different light.

“It’s the day that made me clean my room,” he said. “But I like seeing my mom around sometimes.”