The University of Wisconsin-Superior campus began to thin last week as many students headed out to celebrate Thanksgiving and enjoy a well-deserved break from classes.

Yet, for many students, leaving campus to return home for the holiday wasn’t an option. Fortunately, a special Thanksgiving Day lunch provided a taste of home while far away.

“During my time as a college student, I noticed that many of my international friends stayed behind during Thanksgiving and sometimes had nowhere to go,” said Karen Valdez, Intercultural Programs Coordinator at UW-Superior. My first semester at UWS, I realized that international students here might face a similar situation.

“I’m excited about ensuring that students who stay behind don’t feel forgotten,” said Valdez. “It provided them with an opportunity to experience a sense of community while the majority of the campus shut down.”

To assist students remaining on campus over the Thanksgiving break, Intercultural Student Success at UW-Superior hosted a Thanksgiving Day lunch in the William “Pope” Wright Student Center. The menu featured a turkey dinner with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, vegetables, dinner rolls, and cake for dessert. The meal was graciously delivered by Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) event coordinators who hosted a Thanksgiving Day Buffet.

“Students were able to relax in the Pope Center, play games and listen to music,” said Valdez. “It was a low-key event, and we wanted students to feel comfortable enjoying their meals elsewhere on campus if they preferred. We hope students enjoyed the quality of the meals, knowing that it was made with fresh ingredients.”