Spring 2009

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NC State University’s
2008 Family of the Year

Since 1999, hundreds of students have been telling very special personal stories – stories about their families through the Family of the Year Award program. The Family of the Year Award honors all families by recognizing one special family each year. Each fall, undergraduate students are invited to write essays highlighting their families’ support for their education and the University. Hundreds of students have honored their families with nominations since the award’s inception – submitting touching stories of unconditional love and support.

This year's award went to the family of Chris Goodell, a sophomore in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences & the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Chris’s essay -- which honors his mother Patty, his father Pat, his sister and NC State alumna Kylie, and his brother Brian -- was chosen from 28 entries.

Chris described his family’s undying support and enthusiasm for the University. His parents, who live in Plattsburgh New York, are the “most supportive people I know.” “Mom always knows what classes I have each day, how my tests went, and what my homework situation is like. Dad is always there to keep me motivated and keep my spirits high. Without the support of my parents, I would not be successful in school or in any aspect of my life.” Chris’s parents are also active as members of the NC State Parents’ Council, a fundraising organization. In this role, they are active fundraisers for the University as well as members of the council that decide where the monies raised will go.

Chris is majoring in Biological Sciences & French. He is very active on campus serving as a University mascot – Mr. Wuf. He is a Park Scholar, participates in the University Scholars Program, and active with Pack-A-on, an organization dedicated to raising funds to benefit the North Carolina Children’s Hospital through a 12-hour dance marathon.

Chris's family was recognized during a presentation at the Parents & Families Weekend NC State v. South Florida football game on Saturday, September 27. Chancellor Jim Oblinger and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Tom Stafford presented Chris's family with a commemorative plaque. Reflecting on the weekend, Chris says that he and his family “had a great time the whole weekend. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget.”

This fall marked the 10th anniversary of the Family of the Year Award. To celebrate this special milestone, the Office of Parents & Families Services hosted a special dinner on Friday, September 26 during Parents & Families Weekend that honored all the previous recipients and collectively presented their stories. These stories, as well as many others, are special examples of what Parents & Families Weekend is all about and why families and the role they play in their students’ lives are essential values at NC State.

To learn more about the Family of the Year Award, go to www.ncsu.edu/for_parents/Family.

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