Who's Ready for a BBQ?

What is a good way to close out the first week back to Centenary? It is to have a barbecue (BBQ)!

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) hosted its 10th annual BBQ on Friday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. in the Quad. Students, staff, and faculty can kick back, relax, eat food, and hang out with friends as they finish their first week back. 78 total students and staff attended the event.

“The reason that we do it is really just to celebrate the students when they're coming back. Students have been away for the holiday break and it's just a warm way of just saying welcome back to campus,” said Devon Vialva, assistant dean of Diversity of Inclusion and director of EOP.

“The reason that we started it 10 years ago was just the idea behind everyone getting a chance to really enjoy the barbecue or cookouts during the summertime,” said Vialva. “When they come to school, it kind of just stops. Then, Labor Day is the first week in September. What happens is, by having it in December, we get a chance to bring a new tradition to campus, or a 10-year tradition now.” 

“You get a chance to just have a barbecue in the wintertime, and people really seem to enjoy it. And they have enjoyed it. There's food such as burgers and hot dogs; there's a fire pit; there's s'mores. It's kind of really just a summer event in the wintertime,” said Vialva.

Students agreed; the winter BBQ was a great idea!

“To chill and to eat with no worries is a blessing,” said sophomore Jacoby Stewart.

“To dine with your companions makes all the difference,” said sophomore Jordan Henderson.

For the Cyclones who haven't attended this event, keep an eye out for the next EOP event. You won’t want to miss out!