Ronaldo McDonald, a freshman from Kingston, Jamaica, at Lee’s annual student Thanksgiving lunch
Lee University hosted its annual student Thanksgiving lunch for students who couldn’t travel home for Thanksgiving. The lunch was held in the Deacon Jones Dining Hall and included over 80 Lee students, faculty, staff, and local alumni.
This is the ninth year that Lee has hosted the lunch for students on campus, but it is the first year that alumni have also participated in the event.
“It was really cool to have some of our local alums join us for this occasion,” said Amber Morris, administrative assistant to the vice president for university relations. “We had some that were in their 70s and 80s that came and participated with the students. It was a true family-style meal.”
Sodexo, Lee’s dining service, catered the lunch, providing traditional Thanksgiving fare such as turkey, roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, mac ‘n’ cheese, and corn. They also served a Nigerian chicken and rice dish to celebrate Lee’s international students in attendance.
Dean of Students Alan McClung offered a prayer before the meal commenced. Students were able to submit their names for a door prize, and this year everyone was given a candy bag with a Chick-Fil-A gift card.
“We had so much fun, the food was in plenty, and it was such a special time to come together, interact, and share our gratitude,” said sophomore biochemistry major Mercy Chepchumba, an international student from Kenya who attended the meal. “I just love Lee and am very thankful that it provides such opportunities.”
Students, faculty and staff, and alumni talk and eat around a family-style table in the Deacon Jones Dining Hall at Lee’s annual student Thanksgiving lunch, hosted for students unable to make the trip home for the holiday