2010 Student Dinner, Served with Cutbacks

By Jordan Johnson
Edited November 17, 2010

Despite monetary changes to Student Congress’ Student Appreciation dinner served last Wednesday, the growing cost of the meal was not offset.

Freshman Senator Bettye Reyes was in charge of organizing the annual event.
“The cost of last year’s dinner was around $6,500,” Reyes said. “This year the cost was around $7,000.”

Reyes explained the rise in cost was directly related to the increase in student population and the cost of food. Despite the rise in cost, Reyes said that it was not a factor in Stu-Co’s decision to limit proportions. She said proportions were changed to avoid wastefulness.

This year’s meal consisted of prime rib, crab legs, side dishes and cheesecake. A vegetarian option was also available. The significant change to the dinner was the new ticket system- each student was given two tickets to exchange for a serving of prime rib or crab legs. The students were allowed to have unlimited servings of the other food items.

Students’ reactions to the meal were mixed. Senior Steven Jerina said he enjoyed the meal and Stu-Co’s efforts.

“The food was a really great deviation from the food we regularly have in the cafeteria,” Jerina said. “It wasn’t five-stars, but it was nice.”

Student turnout was expectedly high. But with limited seating, overcrowding occurred. For some students the crowd was reason enough to avoid the event. Sophomore Laura Anderson said she intentionally skipped the dinner.

“It [the cafeteria] was really, really full,” Anderson said. “And it’s never really that good anyway.”

Even with some complaints Reyes said she felt the event was a success.
“I’ve heard good things,” Reyes said. “I think it went very well.”