Dean College has several annual traditions that round out the fall semester, including Thanksgiving dinner, Winter Days, the Annual Tree Lighting and Late Night Breakfast. Read on to learn more about each of these beloved traditions!

Thanksgiving Dinner: Who doesn’t love two Thanksgivings? One week before students leave for break, the Dean dining services team prepares a Thanksgiving dinner, complete with holiday favorites including turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie! Faculty and staff volunteer for shifts to serve the students dinner during the festivities. 

Here’s what the Assistant Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, Dave Drucker had to say about the beloved event:

“The sense of community that kicks off the holiday season is terrific, and the Thanksgiving Dinner is a tradition that I look forward to every fall semester. Before Dean, I had never served Thanksgiving to 600 people! My family has also taken part since my girls were little, which has made for special memories. I enjoy the faculty and staff participation and students getting the chance to relax prior to the end of the semester and finals week. Kudos to our Dining Services team for preparing the feast…and for doing the dishes!”

Annual Tree Lighting: Every year Dean welcomes the Franklin community to witness the annual tree lighting on Awpie Way. This event includes holiday entertainment and performances by Dean students. This year’s lighting will take place on Wednesday, December 5, 2019. 

Winter Days: Following the annual tree lighting, Winter Days kicks off! Student Activities transforms the Campus Center into a winter wonderland beginning Thursday, December 5 through Sunday, December 8, 2019. Take part in fun activities like gingerbread cookie decorating, stuff-an-animal, the annual dance AND a day trip to New York City.

Late Night Breakfast: As the semester comes to a close, it’s time for the Late Night Breakfast. Take a break from studying for finals and have breakfast at night. The dining team, faculty and staff serve breakfast to our hungry students, and students take a well-deserved break from their books!

Here’s to old and new traditions! Learn more about Dean College Traditions.