Family Weekend Brings a Crowd and Red Wolves Spirit to Loretto

Explore the 2026 Family Weekend  photo gallery. 

Families filled the Saint Francis University campus Sept. 25–27 for the annual Family Weekend, with a packed schedule of activities and a milestone moment in Red Wolves history highlighting the celebration. 

One of the weekend’s biggest draws came Saturday afternoon, when a large crowd gathered at DeGol Field to cheer on Saint Francis football as the Red Wolves took the field at home for the first time under the University’s new identity. 

The matchup against Grove City College offered families, students, alumni and friends an opportunity to be part of a new chapter in Saint Francis athletics. Despite the ultimate outcome of the game, Red Wolves spirit was on full display as the Family Weekend crowd came together to support the team and celebrate the new era. 

Football was just one part of a busy weekend designed to give families a taste of life at Saint Francis. Activities began Friday with Stuff-A-Plush, henna tattoos, treats and an evening of stargazing and s’mores. On Saturday, the Campus Mall and surrounding areas came alive with activities ranging from a petting zoo and inflatable obstacle course to family photos, caricatures and plenty of food and treats. 

Families could also explore some quieter corners of the Saint Francis experience. A tour of the Sunken Gardens at Mount Assisi highlighted the beauty and history of the Loretto campus, while the Empty Bowls fundraiser at the Connors Family Fine Arts Center combined art, community and service.  A special Mass in the Grotto gave families another chance to gather during the weekend. 

The celebration continued into Saturday evening with Red Wolves women’s volleyball, activities in the JFK Student Center and a family game show. Family Weekend concluded Sunday morning with Mass in Immaculate Conception Chapel. 

More than a schedule of activities, Family Weekend is an annual opportunity for parents, siblings and other loved ones to experience the community their students call home. This year, they also had the chance to share in a bit of Saint Francis history — filling the stands and cheering together for the Red Wolves. 

Prospective families also gathered on campus for Health Science Discovery Day. This Admissions event offered students interested in healthcare careers to explore programs such as Physician Assistant Sciences, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Exercise Science, and Nursing. Interactive sessions and conversations with faculty and current students will provide an inside look at preparing for a meaningful career in the health sciences. 

See more Admissions Events planned over the next few months or schedule an individual visit on the SFU Admissions Visit Page.

Photos by Scott Stover, Stover Photography.