This past weekend, parents from all over came to visit their college students for an “unofficial” parents’ weekend. While the university did not officially endorse the event, it provided an opportunity for parents to get a firsthand glimpse into their child’s college experience.

The “unofficial” parents’ weekend was promoted by Typical Dudes, a clothing company started by senior architecture major Nick Gattozzi with his high school friends Zach Urda and Joe Pallante. A party hosted by the brand started the celebration on South Lincoln St.

Gattozzi said that Typical Dudes’ goal for hosting the event was to give everyone a chance to see what Typical Dudes is and to provide an opportunity for the company to give back to the people who are in constant support of Typical Dudes.

“It’s great seeing everyone come together to support you and what you’re doing. It’s an awesome and indescribable feeling to say you set up such an event while doing it with your best friends,” Gattozzi said. “We couldn’t be happier with the turnout we had and we’re looking forward to more events in the future.”

The event was sponsored by Rosso Italian, which provided food for guests to purchase including Italian dishes like cavaletti and meatballs.

Some parents who are also alumni said the weekend took them back to times they had when they were in college. Kimberly Szabo from Rocky River who came to visit her daughter Samantha Szabo, a junior studying education, is one of these parents.

“I’m enjoying the day with my daughter. Coming to Kent brings back memories of times I had in college,” Kimberly Szabo said. “I have three other children and we never did anything like this when we would visit them at school. It is so much fun.”

The Szabo duo had plans to visit some of the college bars in downtown Kent, including Water Street Tavern, The Loft and Dom’s Bar.

“I am excited to visit some of the bars with my daughter who recently turned 21,” Szabo said. “I’ve been looking forward to this type of experience with her since she is my last child to turn 21.”

The impromptu event gave parents the chance to reconnect with their children, and some parents said they prefer the unofficial event rather than university scheduled ones.

Barb Kronaz from Sagamore Hills said she liked visiting her son Johnathan Kronaz, a sophomore finance major, when Kent was not as busy.

“I prefer coming to visit when there aren’t so many people and it’s a more down to earth environment,” Barb Kronaz said. “I want to spend time with my son, meet his friends and check up on how he’s doing. We don’t live far away so I can come to these last minute types of events, which is nice.”

Chloe Cornely is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].