University of Central Florida’s Memory Mall on Feb. 9 was filled for the first-ever UCF Gather Luncheon, where more than 550 students were served a free three-course meal and were encouraged to sit together and meet new people to ultimately strengthen the Knights community.
Student Development and Enrollment Services, Wellness and Health Promotion Services, Recreation and Wellness Center, Office of Diversity and Inclusion and several other UCF departments put on the event. Food partners UCF Dining Services, Coca-Cola, Pita Pit and Chicken Salad Chick donated salads, chicken salad sandwiches, cookies, water bottles and more to serve each student.
Two long tables, each stretching 292 feet long, were set up down Memory Mall for students to sit together. Mason jars filled with ice-breaker questions were provided every few chairs. Questions ranged from favorite movies to hometowns.
“With the many partners that were willing to come together to share in this event, our hope is people see that we are all here for each other,” said Maureen Hawkins, director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services. “We believe food is love, and who couldn’t use a little more love?”