Universities Bring Halloween Spirit to Campus

Halloween brought a wave of excitement to campuses across the country, as Sodexo dining teams helped students celebrate the season with themed meals, costume contests, and interactive events designed to foster a festive atmosphere.

At Mississippi University for Women (MUW), students were treated to a Halloween lunch complete with an array of creatively themed foods, from “feet loaf” to a variety of Halloween treats that put a spooky twist on classic dishes. Likewise, Jones College delighted diners with a Halloween-themed lunch, featuring a menu sprinkled with eerie touches that captured the spooky season.

One of the standout events took place at Nicholls University, where the dining team hosted “COLONELJUICE,” a tribute to the cult classic Beetlejuice. Students indulged in an imaginative menu that included items like the “Beetlejuicy Smash Burger,” “Tally-Me Banana Pudding,” “Funnel Fingers,” and the ghoulish “Cantharidin Punch.” Many students donned costumes, adding to the fun and lively atmosphere.

At Dillard University, Kearny Dining Hall became a hauntingly transformed space with chilling decorations, cupcakes, and themed drinks like Vampire Blood and Green Poison Punch. Trick-or-treating, costumes, a fog machine, and a Halloween playlist set the tone as students enjoyed a thrilling dining experience in the Haunted West Wing.

Grambling State University brought students together with activities like a pumpkin decorating contest, a Halloween cookie decorating session, and a trick-or-treat trivia game that combined Halloween fun with a touch of friendly competition.

Meanwhile, Northwestern State University organized a pumpkin painting event, drawing over 20 participants who competed for dining dollars awarded to the top three creations, while Xavier University hosted a costume contest that allowed students to showcase their Halloween creativity in the dining hall.

Several universities, including Loyola University New Orleans, went above and beyond by participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative offering non-food treats to ensure inclusivity for students with food allergies. Loyola’s Halloween menu was a creative spread featuring bat wings, skeleton pizza, and jack-o'-lantern stuffed peppers. Students also enjoyed a spirited costume contest, making for a festive and welcoming celebration.

East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) collaborated with Student Services to bring students “Snack Chat,” an event featuring a charcuterie and popcorn bar. The gathering included a screening of Halloween (2018) on the lawn via a large blowup screen, creating a cozy and engaging environment for students to enjoy a Halloween classic under the stars.

Rounding out the celebrations, Centenary College hosted “Boo at the Bandstand,” an event where dining services partnered with various university departments to distribute candy, provide food, and entertain with live music performances, creating a memorable community gathering.

This Halloween, campus dining teams excelled at fostering a fun, inclusive, and imaginative atmosphere, inviting students to celebrate, connect, and enjoy festive dining experiences tailored to their tastes and traditions.