Penn College’s sixth annual Soul Food Dinner, the concluding event of Black History Month on campus, was held this past week in Dauphin Hall’s Capitol Eatery. The centerpiece of the evening was a menu steeped in tasty tradition: ribs, yams, catfish, cornbread, rice and peach cobbler (among other regional treats), seasoned with side orders of music, poetry, trivia and nutritious goodwill.

– Photos by Tia G. La, student photographer

Nursing student Serecia S. Durson, of Beaver Meadows, prepares to enjoy the evening’s cuisine.

The event, sponsored by Diversity and Community Engagement, included a cooking demo by Dining Services’ LaToya C. Simmons.

Samantha R. Labate, a business administration: marketing concentration major from Williamsport, shares the gift of her words …

… among slam poets who conveyed their artistry through a variety of media.

Three generations of Shaffers – Erin N.. a graphic design student; parents Glenn C. and Myra K., both alumni of the college’s business management major; and grandmother Myrna – make it a family affair. (Erin also serves as a Student Ambassador and Myra is employed as an institutional advancement and foundation assistant at the college.)

Dinner – a mouth-watering taste of Tennessee, the Carolinas and Louisiana for the bargain price of $12 – is served.

Grabbing a bite and enjoying the night are Shaylin A. Stranges (left), a pre-dental hygiene student from Telford, and Jessica T Haynes, a culinary arts and systems major from Bethlehem.

True or false? A trivia contest is an entertaining way to engage dinner guests.

The Soul Food Dinner, a Black History Month campus tradition, draws a hungry crowd.

Human services major (and Madigan Library employee) Stephanie L. Johnson, of Waterford, is all set to sample the scrumptious Capitol Eatery fare.