On Nov. 19, UCP (University Center Programs) hosted their annual Friendsgiving dinner in person for students. Attendees were able to enjoy a free traditional Thanksgiving meal with their friends. Students were asked to RSVP in advance and had to choose between two dinner shifts in order to maintain the social distancing guidelines set by the university.

Each dinner shift served 100 students. Attendees were allowed to sit in groups with up to six friends. The seating arrangements were set up so that they were six feet away from each other and sitting across from one another. As students walked in to grab their tickets they were able to be entered into a raffle, with several T-shirts as prizes.

Students were able to enjoy their Thanksgiving meal which included roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, cranberry sauce, apple pie and pumpkin pie. These items also featured vegetarian and gluten free options for any students with concerns. Those who did not feel comfortable eating in the Anchor Ballroom had the choice to get a to-go box to take home if they pleased. Students had the opportunity to listen to their favorite music played by UCP as well as the option to get coloring pages to enjoy.

According to the UCP Coordinator Alissa Ramirez, “UCP wants this to be an event for all students to enjoy, especially for those that might not be able to travel home for the Thanksgiving holiday. This is our way of letting them enjoy the festivities with friends.”

Marine Biology major, Drake Spradlin, a junior here at TAMU-CC attended Friendsgiving to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal due to him not going home for the holiday. Spradlin mentioned he loved the spirit that UCP brought so that students could enjoy the celebration here at the university.

“My favorite part of the event was getting to socialize with other people who are in the same situation as me,” said Spradlin. “With COVID-19 being a major concern this whole semester, it has been hard to make friends and meet new people. I feel like this event gave me that opportunity to be in a safe and comfortable environment. The event itself was very well handled by the UCP and that given the circumstances of our situation, they did an incredible job at providing a fun and safe environment.”

UCP would like to say Happy Thanksgiving to the Islanders who came out to enjoy a free meal and to the rest of the students here at the university. For more information about UCP events, stay tuned on their I-Engage and social media.