Hugs and home fries: a Finals Week recipe for reprieve

As Finals Week makes its presence known, peppering students with an exam-filled onslaught of exhaustion, Penn College thoughtfully provides sustenance and sanctuary for the battle against end-of-semester burnout. Among the events that form the cornerstone of the anti-anxiety attack? Dining Services’ 21st Midnight Breakfast − second only to commencement in traditional longevity − on Thursday night, preceded by Wednesday’s Madigan Library visit from therapy dogs that live to be loved.

− Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer, and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday

Sharing the warmth

Athletics and Residence Life proved to be able partners for Dining Services. Keeping the parade moving are (from left) Christa Matlack, women’s soccer coach; Jamie R. Miller, wrestling coach; Residence Life coordinator Blaise E. Marshall; and baseball coach Chris H. Howard.

With every stroke and tail wag, a little more stress dissipates.

Among Thursday night’s 575 patrons is this well-fed group, representing several majors … but finding common gastronomical ground.

Library visitors offer timely tips for Finals Week: “Pay attention” …

… “Get plenty of rest” …

… “Stay hydrated” …

… “Oh, and stop telling people I ate your homework!”

Tables fill up and the line still goes out the Keystone Dining Room doors and down the hall.

The rule of reciprocity: Dogs bring joy to students, and students feed treats to the dogs.

Karaoke artists command the mic with a rendition of Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” hand gestures and all.

Devin Christian, from Nittany Balloons in State College, adds to a student’s chowline ensemble.

John D. Vandevere, director of athletics, keeps the mood light.

It’s a picture of contentment for Crystal J. Rice, a business management major and part-time graphic design student worker in the library, and friend.