Thanksgiving is a time for fellowship and gratitude in the company of family and friends.
The Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) community united on Nov. 21 for the second annual Friendsgiving luncheon.
The free event, hosted by the Office of Student Life, was open to all students, faculty and staff. OCCC faculty and staff volunteers served up traditional holiday cuisine including turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans and more. More than 450 attended the event and ate together in the campus general dining area.
“Being actively engaged in the campus community provides students with a strong sense of belonging, allowing them to feel more connected to campus,” said Jesus Raygosa, director of Student Life, Leadership, and Development. “This involvement not only fosters meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, and staff but also exposes students to a broader network of individuals who can offer valuable resources, guidance, and encouragement.”
Throughout the semester, the Office of Student Life hosts many events where students can relax and engage. Pancakes and Finals was held Dec. 10-11, offering free pancakes to the campus community during finals week.
“It’s uplifting to see how events such as Friendsgiving, Pancakes and Finals, and Welcome Week activities attract students and help create a lively, positive energy on campus,” Raygosa said. “The enthusiasm generated by these activities encourages other students to step out of their comfort zones and get involved. Events like these help us build a stronger, more connected campus environment, where everyone feels welcomed and motivated to participate.”
Students attending Pancakes and Finals were grateful for the chance to connect and take a break from exams.
OCCC student Atenea Aldama Mendivil said events like Pancakes and Finals help them to de-stress. “They give us time to relax during this time.”
“Pancakes and Finals gives us a chance to connect with each other and the community,” said OCCC student Teonna Brown. “It feels like home, like family.”
