Penn State New Kensington chancellor, Kevin Snider, serves up some blueberry waffles for a student doing some late-night studying for final exams."Moonlight Breakfast" is a semi-annual event at the campus.
Part of a non-stress week of activities
Late-night study sessions before finals week may have student brain synapses in a state of chaos, but at Penn State New Kensington student digestive systems are in a state of serenity.
Chancellor Kevin Snider, who oversees the feeding of student minds, took on the additional responsibility Dec. 10 of feeding their stomachs.
Snider personally served the sustenance at the campus’ Moonlight Breakfast that opened its doors from 10 p.m. to midnight in Café 780, the campus cafeteria. The chancellor, along with Lauren Blum, assistant to the director of student affairs, dished out free waffles, along with the accoutrements -- strawberries, blueberries, chocolate and whipped cream. Juice and coffee kept the students slaked and those neurons firing.
The breakfast was a part of the campus’ annual De-Stress Week schedule of activities. During the final week of classes, Dec. 8 to 12, students enjoyed the calm before the finals storm with daily activities designed to reduce stress and promote a laid-back atmosphere, at least for five days. Finals run Dec. 15 to 19.
A popular tension-relieving activity was a massage, courtesy of the Foundation for Wellness Professionals. Tired neck muscles and general tightness of the back, brought on by eight consecutive hours of researching the polymerization of oxiranes with a lithium-containing initiator, can be alleviated by the gifted hand of the masseuse. Wellness Professionals is a nonprofit organization of healthcare professionals who organize wellness days, blood pressure checks, spinal screenings and educational workshops at no charge to local communities. In addition, they have a stable of motivational speakers.
Other non-stressful activities included a performance by the Lee Robinson Jazz ensemble, crafts, movies, open mic hour, and hands-on cooking lessons by chef Mike Tokarek, resident director of AVI, the campus food service.
Throughout the semester, Tokarek hosts “Cooking with Chef Mike,” a series of cooking workshops that provide tips to campus students for making a variety of food favorites. The workshops were developed by Tokarek and Blum as a way to get students interested in cooking. The chef bases his menu on the time of the season. A Thanksgiving workshop was geared to the campus’ international students as a way to familiarize them with the American holiday.
A health and physical education major at Slippery Rock University, Tokarek transitioned to cooking after working for AVI Food Systems while an undergraduate. AVI is an independent company that provides food services to industry, school systems, health care facilities and universities, including the New Kensington campus. Tokarek has been with AVI for 11 years and came to the campus three years ago. He replaced his twin brother, Dan, who was promoted to another position with AVI at Slippery Rock.
At the New Kensington campus, Tokarek is responsible for supervising Café 780, the primary food service venue for the campus, and the recently remodeled Junction, a coffee bar that serves Starbucks products. Café 780, located on the upper level of the Student Union building, features several food stations serving hand-tossed pizzas, subs, wraps, paninis, hamburgers, soups and salads. Cafe 780 is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Catering is available. Alumni and friends are encouraged to stop by the campus to enjoy lunch or to take home a dinner.
The Junction serves Starbucks coffee, lattes and cappuccinos, hot and iced, as well as flavored smoothies. Food items include bagels, sandwiches, muffins, cookies, pasties, yogurt, fruit salads and fresh fruit. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Fridays.
For catering services, contact Mike Tokarek at 724-334-6175 or mjt19@psu.edu
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Penn State New Kensington's Blissell Library is a popular hangout during finals week.