More Stories
Faculty/Staff Updates
If you’ve been a regular at the events we used to call “Community Gatherings,” you will have noticed some big changes in Fall 2025. This semester, Program gave these workshop luncheons the new name “Sobremesa,” moved to a biweekly schedule (every other Thursday), and introduced a new sustainability initiative that encourages students to bring their own plates, containers, and silverware to reduce waste. What’s more, the Program is collaborating with the Latine Cultural Center in organizing the events, which are split between the Red Gym and Ingraham 336. As always, these luncheons feature speakers on topics of interest to undergraduate CLS students. “Sobremesa” refers to the Latin American custom of lingering over a meal for informal conversation. We thought the name captured the spirit of the community we’re trying to create through the Gatherings.
How to encourage folks to bring their own utensils and plates? We’ve got a raffle going! Bring your own items, and you get a ticket. At the end of the luncheon, we raffle off reusable containers, silverware, and other cool prizes to everybody with tickets. Rachelle Eilers, the Academic Advising Manager of the CLS Program, introduced this initiative to help reduce waste on campus, while still maintaining the community created by the luncheons. Rachelle hopes that if 1/3 of attending students begin to participate, it may pave the way for future sustainability initiatives. She notes that there is no harm in doing this, and it only helps make the luncheons more sustainable.
While the initiative had a slow start, the reception among students and faculty has been positive. One student noted that their motivation for taking part in the sustainability initiative wasn’t to get a raffle ticket. They just wanted to help reduce waste! Another student remarked that as a commuter, she found the initiative convenient. It allowed her to save some of her food for later. Still another mentioned that it was a positive change and a good way to use the extra things you already have at home. They also noted that more students are starting to participate as they get the hang of it. A faculty member noted that he was all for the new initiative, and thought it was a wonderful way to reduce the luncheon’s footprint and set an example for the rest of campus, as there are not many other organizations with similar initiatives. We hope to see even more students attending the Sobremesa Community Gatherings and participating in this initiative to help foster community while eliminating excess waste.