By Madison Weber ’23, Staff Writer and Social Media Editor

Fisher Dining held a special week of “Delightful” surprises to encourage kindness on campus, leading up to Random Acts of Kindness Day, on February 17. Andrea Maccarone, the Director of Dining Services, said the week was related to the dining halls group, Chartwells Higher Ed, who was holding a yearlong joyful campaign. 

With over 500,000 acts of kindness across the country this year in Chartwells Higher Ed., the Delightful event was an opportunity for Fisher to contribute. The main focus of the week was to “Bring joy to people through moments of food,” said Maccarone. 

In order to generate kindness on campus, the dining hall had a week of opportunities set up for students. Including service dogs and “puppuccinos” in Cyber, the opportunity to leave positive notes for peers on the windows in Cyber and the Ward-Haffey dining hall, and coloring books.

Dining hall staple Larry Duke said that he loved to read the notes students had left for each other. Even the campus ministry got involved by decorating cardboard coffee sleeves after mass to be handed out at cyber. They also allowed students to reward others: from buying coupons for a buy one get one coffee to give to someone else, to a scavenger hunt with prizes to give to friends. 

Throughout the week, there were special things offered all over campus. From a new Pizza sub at Murphy, to bonus treats when buying coffee at Cyber and Pioch and Murphy, to a waffle bar with toppings for breakfast, deep-fried pickles, and a cannoli bar. The dining hall aimed to really hit on what the students wanted – especially if it was food that the dining hall may not make all the time. Teddi requested Taco-in-a-bag, and according to Maccarone deep-fried pickles are always popular among students. Both staff and students could be seen enjoying dinner and the activities present on Thursday night.

Thursday night was the big event of the week with a photo booth set up in the dining hall, free succulents to take, and special food. Including Taco-in-a-bag, a popup coffee and hot cocoa bar, raffles, and hot Cheeto mac and cheese. Maccarone said it was a happy coincidence that the Teddi dinner was also Thursday night because “Teddi is such an act of love and giving from all the students.” 

Maccarone hopes the campaign and week will be able to brighten someone’s day. Students can keep up with dining hall events and announcements here.