Hundreds of hungry students came to be served free pancakes at TTC’s first free pancake events while community was built at the Quad in front of the Student Union on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24.
Strawberries, bananas, whipped cream and assorted syrups were just a few of the toppings that were offered to students for their pancakes, which were built as students socialized before their classes.
Students line up at TTC to be served pancakes by Student Life activities coordinator Teila Robertson, left, and ICC President Samuel Perez, right, on Feb. 23. After a 90 minute delay, the first of a two-day event offered students a hot meal before classes. (Diosa Hippolyta)
“It’s nice. I don’t think there’s that many opportunities to talk to students and engage with students here, because there’s not a lot of events here, so, this is nice to, like, help bring students together on this campus,” said Alejandro Rodriguez, a construction major student.
LBCC’s Student Life and Basic Needs programs brought the free pancake model concept to TTC for the first time this year, and received positive feedback.
“I love it. I’m really excited that Student Life is hosting these events. As much free food as we can get on campus, the better. We saw the need,” said Justin Mendez, director of Basic Needs.
The idea for the free pancake model came from Inter Club Council President Samuel Perez, hoping to bring students and groups together for collaboration and connection.
On Feb. 23, the event was supposed to start at 8 a.m., however the space was found empty.
Perez mentioned that the 90 minute delay was due to a delivery truck at LAC that had blocked the exit needed to load the food and items for the event.
Perez also mentioned that they are experimenting with the times of the event, due to the newness of the event at TTC.
“This event is the first time at TTC and we are working on time frames that best work for the students. TTC is a 9 a.m. campus,” Perez said.
Students found out about the event through the Viking Engagement App found in the Viking Portal, from flyers around both campuses and by word of mouth.
Some students were surprised about the event and just happened to be walking near the cafeteria wanting something to eat before class. Instead of eating there, they were able to enjoy the free pancakes offered.
One student shared their experience on how they found out about the event.
“I saw the sandwich board and I’m like, oh, cool. It’s a date. But then I saw it was eight in the morning. So I’m like, oh, I missed it. It was yesterday. But then I guess I didn’t read it carefully enough. And it was actually right now during the brunch hours. So I stayed for that,” student Isaac Martinez said. .
Students also had the opportunity to learn about financial concerns while waiting in line from one of LBCC’s local partners, LBS Financial Credit Union.
“We’ve actually been a part of LBCC since 1935. Our credit union was created by LBCC employees back in 1935. So, our main mission, of course, is to give back to our members. And one of the promises we made to LBCC is to come out and attend different activities that the school has, not only for faculty and staff, but also for students,” said Oscar Velasco, an LBS Financial Credit Union representative.
The next chance to get hot pancakes at both campuses are Mar. 18 at LAC from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Mar. 23 at TTC from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m in front of the Student Unions.
That’s near Building B at LAC and near Building EE at TTC.
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