BVU Celebrates 38th Annual All-Campus Christmas Dinner
Two items top wish list for students at Christmas Dinner: Words from Ken Allen; and Oreo fluff
Nearly 600 Buena Vista University students sang, gave praise, and, in unison, said, “Thank you,” prior to the serving of the 38th Annual All-Campus Christmas Dinner served amid festive holiday decorations in Siebens Forum on Dec. 3.
The dinner, designed by Sodexo Executive Chef Alex Ortega, featured turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, a green bean-and-carrot medley, Oreo fluff, and a cookie from Storm Lake Bakery. Sodexo General Manager Ken Allen introduced Ortega at the podium prior to the dinner. Allen, in his 23rd year at BVU, said he told his family at Thanksgiving how thankful he remains for them (his family) and his BVU family.
“I feel as if it’s the perfect way to destress the week before finals and feel good because we all get dressed up in our ‘fancy’ clothes. I got to enjoy an amazing meal with my friends and just be in the moment with them, which is a memory I will cherish for years to come.”
-Senior Kali Jensen-Kutz
The Rev. Dr. Melanie Hauser, BVU Chaplain, presided over the Christmas dinner. She noted that members of Student Senate have asked that she and BVU keep two items constant in this Christmas tradition: “No. 1, Ken Allen must introduce the food and address the students,” she said. “No. 2: Oreo fluff. That’s it. Everything else can be flexible.”
Rev. Hauser offered a prayer of reflection and gratitude before students were able to enjoy a meal served by 65 faculty and staff members, saying, “We pray a blessing for those who have supplied this food, from those who nourished and grew the crops and animals, to those who have prepared it for us. May we never forget that in a world where others go hungry and live in constant lack, we are abundantly blessed.”
Allen then dashed to the kitchen where an assembly line of serving commenced, ending less than 21 minutes later with the last students enjoying their feast.
Hauser informed students that on this day (Giving Tuesday), more than 300 BVU alumni and friends came together to contribute funds that would aid students in their BVU experience. She asked all who were present to say, “Thank you,” to express the group’s gratitude.
Two special guests at the 2024 All-Campus Christmas Dinner were Bell and Noel, reindeer brought to campus for Christmas Dinner photos with students. They were presented to campus that day by BVU alumni Dr. Trent Grundmeyer ’03 (who raises the reindeer) and Kevin Rowedder ’96.
“We were asked if we’d bring the reindeer to campus to offer a little added element on the Christmas celebration,” Grundmeyer says. “We were happy to see students taking pictures with Belle, Noel, and Buford.”
“Christmas Dinner is a really special tradition here at BVU because it allows us students to dress up and enjoy a care-free night with each other,” said Sidney Reimer, a junior majoring in psychology and criminal justice.
“The Christmas Dinner is such a special event that allows you to disconnect from life and just be present in the moment with your friends and enjoy all the little things that have been accomplished and that you will continue to accomplish!” said student Bailey Gibbons, a junior majoring in wildlife biology. “The Christmas dinner is also a fun way of being with everyone one last time before we go our separate ways for the holidays!”
Aedan Hayes, a freshman studying rehabilitation health science and kinesiology and exercise science, took part in his first All-Campus Christmas Dinner. He concluded: “The best part about Christmas dinner is how it brought the entire University together and introduced a family-like atmosphere.”
Finally, for senior Kali Jensen-Kutz, the All-Campus Christmas Dinner was a new experience.
“This was my first (and last) year attending as I am a senior and otherwise have been too busy, but attending the dinner this year was a whole new experience I was missing out on before,” says Jensen-Kutz, an accounting and business major. “I feel as if it’s the perfect way to destress the week before finals and feel good because we all get dressed up in our ‘fancy’ clothes. I got to enjoy an amazing meal with my friends and just be in the moment with them, which is a memory I will cherish for years to come.”