Schools
Tarleton “first family” partners with Sodexo on student celebrations
Dr. James Hurley and First Lady Kindall Hurley, first family of Tarleton State University, demonstrate their dedication to students
Dr. James Hurley and First Lady Kindall Hurley, the first family of Tarleton State University, demonstrate their dedication to the study body by hosting signature events throughout the academic year.
Traditionally held in the Trogdon House backyard on campus, the events, called “Late Night With The Hurleys” which typically end around midnight, serve as welcome back, study break, and end-of-semester featuring food by dining services partner Sodexo.
The backyard is set up with fire pits, games, and a photo booth, and between 1,000 and 1,500 students generally participate in the event.
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“Students love the opportunity to enjoy time with the first family while mingling with peers in the fun-filled atmosphere,” said Sodexo General Manager Tanner Smith.
The most recent late night event was Study Break Breakfast Tacos held on May 1 from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. The dining team served pancakes and sausages on a stick; fudge brownies; Dunkin' Donuts; and sausage egg and cheese breakfast tacos.
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S'mores with the Hurleys took place on January 17 from 10 p.m. until midnight.
“S'mores are a Hurley family tradition that they wanted to extend to the student population here at Tarleton,” said Smith.
The event featured traditional s'mores components: a roasting stick; marshmallow; graham crackers, and Hershey's chocolate – reportedly President Hurley’s favorite food.
Also on the menu were s'mores cereal bars, fudge brownies, assorted cookies, and purple and white popcorn from Hico Popcorn Works. Beverages included hot chocolate and Dublin Bottling Works sodas, featuring Tarleton's exclusive "Texan Grape" flavor.
The start of the academic year kicked off with “Sundaes on Sunday” on August 21 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
A “welcome back to campus” event, it was originally slated for the new aquatics center but was rained out and moved to the Thompson Student Center Ballrooms. The menu included orange and grape soda floats, and ice cream sundaes topped with M&Ms, sprinkles, caramel, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, cherries, and candied pecans.
The first 500 students in the door received a free tee shirt.
