This year marked the second highest number of registrations with 650 families, comprising 2,342 individuals, a majority of which were first-year students’ families. Nikki Stock, co-chair of Family Weekend and director of New Student and Family Programs, shared “the fact that [students] want their families to come makes me think that Minnesota State Mankato is a place that they are proud of being.”

The success of Family Weekend is the result of a group effort, with a total of 20 individuals involved in the planning process. These individuals represent various university departments including Student Activities Team, Campus Recreation, New Student and Family Programs, Residential Life, Athletics, and more. Todd Pfingsten, co-chair of Family Weekend and director of Campus Recreation, said “it’s clockwork and people have just bought into this is the culture we are going to create, and we get the support.” This collaboration ensures a diverse and engaging lineup of activities and events. During Family Weekend, families had the opportunity to enjoy a wide array of activities, including the traditional football game. This year a total of 980 football tickets were sold; more than ever before, with previous ticket sales being less than 500. The event also featured fun and games in the campus dome, a visit to the Maverick Bullpen for bowling and billiards, and a new addition this year was an outdoor petting zoo. Pfingsten shared that at one point the staff helping in the dome looked at each other and said “look at the energy in this place.” One of the crowd favorites was "Stuff-a-Plush," an event that allowed families to create their own Maverick Bear. The "Price Is Right" game show is another tradition that adds an extra layer of excitement to the weekend.

When asked about the weekend, Stock said “it just seemed like one of the best years; people were engaged and there was high participation.” The event continues to grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs and expectations of both students and their families, but the principle of keeping the weekend free or low cost stays a priority. For those interested in supporting Family Weekend to ensure the event can stay nearly free of cost to families, please consider donating to New Student and Family Programs. 

Big ideas and real-world thinking on campus and in the community.

Hosting Films on Campus

1. You must pay for Public Performances rights for any movie, film, TV show that is not shown in a class time in the scheduled room.
2. Costs for rights range from $250 to $1000 per film
3. Documentary costs range from free to $500
4. If you would like to host a movie on campus, please complete the following:
   1. Reserve your space through university scheduling
   2. Review the license website:
      1. Major motion pictures and TV
      2. Documentaries
      3. International Films
   3. Contact william.tourville@mnsu.edu to secure film licensing 

FAQ

Hand out #1

1. Can we show a movie in a classroom for free?
   1. No, films can only be shown during scheduled classrooms during the class period.
2. How much planning time do we need to show a film?
   1. Minimum of two weeks to secure rights
3. I own the movie. Do I still need a license to show it outside my home?
   
   1. Yes! The rental, purchase, lending or download of a movie does not provide the right to exhibit it publicly outside the home, unless the screening is properly licensed. This includes streaming
4. Do we need a license even if we don’t charge admission?
   1. Yes! A license is required for all public performances regardless of whether admission is charged
5. If I purchased a license to show a movie, can I show that movie
   whenever I want?
   1. No. Licenses are for a specific, designated time frame mutually agreed upon by the licensee and Swank Motion Pictures.

Public Performances

Public Performances: The following guidelines apply to public performances of copyrighted works at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities:

• The public performance of videos, motion pictures, or other similar audiovisual works without permission from the copyright holder is prohibited.
• The public performance of non-dramatic works and musical works without the permission from the copyright holder is prohibited, except in the following circumstances:
  1. The performance is not a broadcast or otherwise transmitted to the public (for example, via an internet, radio, or television broadcast)
  2. The performance is without any purpose of direct or indirect commercial advantage (i.e., is not a profit-making venture);
  3. The performance is without any payment of a fee or compensation to performers, promoters, or organizers of the performance; and
  4. There is no direct or indirect admission charge, or if there is one, the proceeds after deducting the reasonable costs of producing the performance are used exclusively for educational, religious, or charitable purposes and not for private financial gain.
     Even if the above circumstances are satisfied, if the copyright owner objects to the performance in writing at least seven days before the performance, the performance may not be held.
• Per the Office of the Chancellor, "public performance" is defined as follows:
  1. to perform or display the work at a place open to the public or at any place where a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances is gathered; or
  2. to transmit or otherwise communicate a performance or display of the work to a place specified by clause a) above or to the public, by means of any device or process, whether he members of the public capable of receiving the performance or display receive it in the same place or in separate places and at the same time or different times.

EDUCATION:

Dental Hygiene
Class of 2026

ABOUT ME:

I come from a very small island named Aruba. My favorite hobbies are going to the gym, hanging out with family and friends, and studying. An interesting thing about my native language, Papiamento, is that you cannot find it on Google Translate, which is cool. 

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MINNESOTA STATE MANKATO:

I am passionate about Minnesota State Mankato because of its diversity. Since I am an international student, I do not have any family members in America. Choosing a college that would help me feel welcome was very important, and this University made that possible.

fUN FACTS:

A fun fact about me is that I can speak four languages: Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish. My favorite thing about my job is that I can connect with Alumni and share our experience being students together!

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Annual Giving Engagement Center, and Dental Hygiene Program.

MAKE AN IMPACT TODAY

Your investment will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of knowledge, the empowerment of students, and the betterment of the University.

EDUCATION: 

Psychology & Applied Health Science minor
Class of 2026

ABOUT ME:

I am from Roseville, Minnesota which is about 10 minutes northeast of St. Paul. I grew up playing all types of sports from lacrosse, to dance, to basketball, and many more. I also have an ESA (emotional support animal) named Stevie, a tuxedo cat who is 4! 

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MINNESOTA STATE MANKATO:

I love the history and the beauty of this campus and how kind people are here. I also love that Mankato offers diverse courses, so there is truly something for everyone here!

FUN FACTS:

My favorite class I have taken so far would be Pyschopharmacology with Adam Steiner because he explains the way drugs transmit throughout neuropaths with candy! My favorite spot on campus is the Centennial Student Union, because just outside the giant windows there is a beautiful fountain. There's also a Starbucks for me to study in between classes!

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Annual Giving Engagement Center, Honors Program, and Letters of Love RSO. 

MAKE AN IMPACT TODAY

Your investment will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of knowledge, the empowerment of students, and the betterment of the University.