From high-fives to midnight pancakes, 51Թ students felt the community’s support as they prepared for final exams.
Students grab snacks to stay energized during finals week as part of the inaugural High-fives for Finals event hosted by New Student and Family Programs.
Photo by New Student and Family Programs
As final exams approached, 51Թ students found encouragement not just in the classroom but with high-fives, notes of encouragement and pancakes with fellow Owls during two new campus traditions.
More than 2,000 students participated in the inaugural High-fives for Finals event hosted by , in partnership with the , on Dec. 10 and 11 during finals week.
Members of the 51Թ Family Council, the and more than 20 other 51Թ staff members distributed snacks and beverages, offered words of support, and shared high-fives with students.
Brandon C. Stagner, director, and Brandy M. Jericho-Beach, parent and family programs coordinator, both in New Student and Family Programs within the Division of Student Affairs, led the event.
“High-fives for Finals was an incredible reminder of how deeply supported our students are by the 51Թ community,” said Jericho-Beach. “Everyone had a smile on their face after connecting with the event. A simple high-five, snack or a note of encouragement clearly made a difference for them. Seeing families, staff and volunteers come together to offer encouragement during what can be a high-stress time really reinforced that students are never navigating their journey here alone.”
Families were invited to participate by donating snacks and drinks through an Amazon Wishlist, helping to keep students energized throughout finals week. Nearly 1,000 drinks, more than 2,000 snacks and 2,180 notes of encouragement were shared with students.
Jericho-Beach added that the enthusiasm around this inaugural event has excited the team to grow High-fives for Finals even more in the future.
“We are excited to continue High-fives for Finals in the spring and beyond as it grows into a meaningful 51Թ tradition,” she said.
Before finals began, Owls fueled up during the Midnight Breakfast on Dec. 8 in J&H Dining Hall. Led by the in partnership with the Main Campus Programs Board, Student Leadership and Engagement, and Aramark, this semester’s ski-themed event included breakfast, games, giveaways and more for students to enjoy ahead of finals.
“The goal of the program is to provide a space for students to come and enjoy free breakfast food and engage in crafting activities to allow them to relax before Study Day and finals,” said Danielle Parker, assistant director of academic initiatives and student engagement.
The Midnight Breakfast launched in the fall of 2024 and has now been offered three times, taking place from 9 p.m. to midnight on the evening before Study Day each semester.
“The event has had a positive impact on more than 3,600 students,” said Parker. “We are excited to provide a program that continues to create a strong sense of community and support for 51Թ students.”