Stories

Celebrating CheerFul | Helping Students Find Their Place on Campus

As our students transitioned back to campus in August and September, our dining teams were there to welcome them. The first event in our JoyFul series this year, CheerFul helped students connect with school spirit, meet new friends, find resources, and build a network of support.

Illinois Institute of Technology | Sharing Joy in a CheerFul Farmers Market

During CheerFul, guests at Illinois Institute of Technology browsed through stands of local produce in a CheerFul farmers market.

Their dining hall’s patio had been transformed into a lively space offering free, locally sourced produce, live music from a local DJ, and a series of fun giveaways to keep the excitement going.

The dining team also handed out mental health resources from the JED Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the well-being of young adults, ensuring that they can start off the school year on a CheerFul note.

Stockton University | Sharing Sweet Surprises

Students got to satisfy their sweet teeth at Stockton University’s CheerFul Spirit Lunch, where they dipped fruits into chocolate and tried bubble tea.

They also shared positivity with each other by writing kind notes on a positivity wall and spinning a wheel for fun prizes.

A special CheerFul menu featured fan-favorite dishes like BBQ ranch crispy chicken, pickle pizza, and Cheez-It mac and cheese.

California State University | A Very CheerFul Opening

The California State University dining team had even more reason to celebrate this year – they opened up newly revamped dining locations: Halal Shack, Baba’s Pizza, and Pueblo.

To celebrate the openings, they hosted a CheerFul event where a live DJ brought some upbeat tunes and guests captured lasting memories at the photo booth.

The celebration continued at the Outdoor Grill at The Arbor, where the dining team grilled up all-beef “Matador” hotdogs, paired with house-made kettle chips and refreshing agua frescas.

St. Cloud State | CheerFul Hoops with the Basketball Team

The St. Cloud State dining team partnered with several departments for their CheerFul dinner, including the campus radio station, who kept the good tunes flowing all night long.

Guests could meet with the partnering departments to learn more about their larger campus community. The men’s soccer and men’s basketball teams were student favorites.

The men’s basketball team even brought their own hoop to shoot hoops with guests, forming connections and building friendships.

SUNY Plattsburgh | Therapy Donkeys and Goats Bring a CheerFul Time

During CheerFul, students at SUNY Plattsburgh relaxed with some therapy donkeys and goats while sipping on local boba tea.

Bringing therapy goats and donkeys to CheerFul was an idea from the dining intern, who found ways to connect with her fellow students while also bringing a fun, never-before-done event to the dining program.

Guests got to learn about the importance of self-care while petting the therapy animals and bonding with each other.


CheerFul serves as a way for guests to connect with each other and find their people during the back-to-school transition, fostering joy through common experiences and shared tables. Join us as we continue our JoyFul series all year long.