Thousands of students eat free at Midnight Breakfast

Marhesha Maldonado
Contributing Writer

At the end of every semester, students line up at Shafer Court Dining Center to blow off some steam before exams with an evening of food, music and contests. On Dec. 3, the Midnight Breakfast provided free breakfast food to 3,000 students, regardless of whether they had a meal plan.

“I think it’s a way for the entire campus to just relax before exams and to socialize, it’s just fun,” said Chris Straus, chair of the appropriations committee of the Student Government Association.

Students with and without dining plans were welcomed to the biannual tradition if they showed their VCU ID. The first few students admitted were given black and gold striped VCU scarves and contest winners could win earphones and a Nook e-book reader for the pancake-eating contest.

“It’s a fun atmosphere and a fun event to let the students socialize,” said senior Amy Connerley.

Shafer Dining Center holds occasional events, like guest chef visits complete with menus from local restaurants.

“Along with Convocation, this is definitely the biggest event we host in Shafer Court Dining Center,” said Matt Smythe, ARAMARK’s Director of Operations. “The staff love the event. The excitement, anticipation and the change of routine really energizes everyone.”

Smythe said the SGA and VCU Dining also partnered with student group Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow this year, who helped serve students. Shafer staff and members of the SGA began preparations for this semester’s Midnight Breakfast weeks in advance.

“It’s all hands on deck,” said Brian Armstrong, public relations chair of the SGA. “We’re all taking shifts in working to serve the student body.”

The SGA sponsors the Midnight Breakfast. Chairwoman Katheryn Witt said the event is an good way for the SGA to interact with students.

“Midnight Breakfast is a fantastic opportunity for the Student Government Association to have a chance to give back to the student body,” Witt said. “It is used as an exciting and relaxing evening for students before the beginning of finals. The SGA strives to be visible to the student body and this event is a great way to accomplish that.”