Grandparents and Grandfriends Day, a heartwarming annual event coordinated with Thanksgiving, returns for the 15th time on November 26. It is a day dedicated to honoring the special relationships students have with their grandparents. 

This event came to be in 2010 when former NDA president, Bob Pauly, initiated it with the goal of giving students and their grandparents a special opportunity to come together in faith and in family.

Since 2010, the only major change has been the timing. It used to be set up where, following mass in the morning, students would return to class. Now, the event is held in the morning, and students with grandparents or grandfriends are allowed to leave early and spend the rest of the day with their family. 

Grandparents Day is mainly organized by the Development Office, but many different hands help with Grandparents Day. Departments like the Main Office, Music Ministry, Campus Ministry, Marketing, IT, and, most of all, Maintenance, all help with this special day. 

“Like everything at NDA, it’s a group effort,” said Mrs. Joey Rickards, administrative assistant to President Amy Ott.

Grandparents Day features Mass organized by Campus Minister. Kelly Waters, Father Jordan Neeck and Mrs. Maria Hinnendael, choir director. A coffee reception catered by ADRC’s Grounded Cafe, a local organization that provides opportunities for adults with disabilities, precedes the gathering for worship.

“Their food is wonderful,and it supports a worthy cause,” Rickards said.

Student volunteers play a big role in the event by parking cars, greeting guests, taking photos and assisting with Mass. 

“Smiling faces from our students” is what Rickards said grandparents can expect when they arrive.

At its core, Grandparents and Grandfriends Day mirrors NDA’s core values and recognizes the built-in relationships between students and loved ones. 

If you are looking to register for this day, here is the link to do so: Register Here.