Before the week of finals begins, Quinnipiac students get the royal treatment-a holiday meal served by their very own professors. The Annual Undergraduate Holiday Dinner is a tasteful tradition that has professors working for students.

The annual dinner is a way for faculty to show how much they appreciate their students. "One of the things about working here is we really like the students," said Jill Martin, chair of the holiday dinner committee and chair of legal studies. "We want to do something for them because the end of the semester is always stressful."

Rachel Nash, a junior in the physician assistant program, attended the dinner with a group of friends. They showed up a half hour early to get a good place in line. "It's exciting to have a holiday dinner with my friends," Nash says, since the major holidays take place over the University's winter break.

Students love the special food--including several kinds of pasta, ham and apple cider--and the festive decorations. Angela Julian, a junior psychology major, says the wait is worth it. "You can smell the delicious food. The line gets really long. We got here really early."

Robin Schuppert, a junior communications major, agrees. "And we're excited that the teachers are going to serve us." The group attended the dinner as freshmen, and say they've been looking forward to the event all semester.

Information systems management professor Bruce White volunteers every year at the dinner. "It's a fantastic event. It's giving back to the community. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holidays and a chance for faculty and staff to serve students."

Connie Mancini, a secretary in the Athletics department, is also a regular volunteer. "We do it every year. It's fun to see the students. They deserve it."