Golf carts, food tables, and guests galore—GrandGuest Day has come and gone. This beloved Nobles tradition, which has taken place for decades, is one of the most time-honored markers of spring on campus. While many may notice the extra staff buzzing around, the sea of printed schedules and maps, and of course, the smiling grandguests, few are aware of the hours of planning and coordination that go into making the day a success.
Behind the scenes, a small but mighty team in the Development Office, alongside Buildings and Grounds (B&G), works tirelessly to bring GrandGuest Day to life. Katherine Minevitz, Nobles’ longtime special events coordinator, has been orchestrating the cherished event for 24 years. “Behind the scenes of GrandGuest Day, the Office of Development and Graduate Affairs completely facilitates everything with the help of Nobles Connect,” (the Nobles parent-guardian association), Minevitz said.
The Development Office handles the creation, printing, and mailing of invitations and coordinates directly with families to ensure every GrandGuest is accounted for. But the planning goes far beyond RSVP lists. Throughout the year, the Development Office collaborates with departments across campus to ensure the day runs seamlessly. They work with the academic team to adjust class schedules, organize assemblies, and this year, even partnered with the visual arts department to introduce a new, interactive element in Foster Gallery. “Usually, we have a student art show up for guests to view, but the schedule didn’t allow it to be hung in time,” Minevitz said. “So instead, grandguests will get to observe the students installing it, seeing the process, not just the product. It adds a new layer of engagement.”
While the Development Office manages much of the coordination, B&G ensures that the technical side of the event flows smoothly. Their work begins well before guests arrive, with one of the biggest challenges being parking. With an expected 200-300 extra cars, finding space is no small task. Fortunately, the newly paved McLeod (formerly Sketchy) Lot has eased the process. “We didn’t like to park grandparents on the old McLeod field[…] It was never our best foot forward. They’re all dressed up, and then they get out of their cars and walk across the grass. But the new parking lot—major game changer,” Director of Buildings and Grounds Mike McHugh said.
As the day unfolds, both departments shift into hospitality mode. B&G helps set up coffee and food stations and transforms common spaces like the Henderson Arts Center Lobby by removing furniture to make room for registration and refreshments. “I don’t focus on maintenance that day. I’m basically a liaison between the school and the grandparents—making sure they know where to go, have what they need, and feel welcome,” McHugh said. Similarly, the Development Office shifts into high gear, helping with photos, logistics, the assembly, and much more. The team, comprised of roughly 15, is all around campus making sure everyone feels at home at Nobles. One of the most recognizable elements of the day is the fleet of golf carts shuttling guests across campus. This year, six four-seat carts have been rented from Country Club Enterprises. Development Office staff handle the driving, offering guests a warm and accessible experience throughout the day.
From early morning setup to the final goodbyes, Grandguest Day adds 25–30 extra working hours for the B&G team. No additional staff is hired; instead, team members adjust their schedules to support the event, ensuring it remains as smooth, memorable, and joyful as possible for all involved.
As grandparents and guests fill the halls, the Beach, and the Castle to share a day with their student hosts, a sense of connection and community spreads across generations. “I love just seeing the joy on everyone’s faces. The guests are always thrilled to see what their grandkids are doing, and the students really rise to the occasion. It’s such a feel-good day,” Minevitz said.
