A waffle feast on the first day of classes
Made-to-order waffles topped with ice cream, chocolate sauce, cherries and whipped cream drew thousands of mavericks to Brazos Park on Aug. 25 to celebrate one of The University of Texas at Arlington’s most delicious back-to-school events: Waffleopolis.
Before the start of the fall semester, freshman roommates Brianna Tran and Alina Khawaja made a pact to attend as many campus-orientation events as possible, and not only to eat the free food.
“College is a brand-new experience for me,” Tran said. “I want to immerse myself in student life and take advantage of every opportunity to meet people and learn about the UTA community.”
A 24-year tradition, Waffleopolis is a highlight of Maverick Stampede, a series of events that kicks off the academic year. The party’s origins trace back to Brazos House, where a few resident assistants would welcome the dorm’s inhabitants with homemade Belgian waffles.
Now, the event requires a month of preparation, said Maverick Dining Executive Chef David Aldape. After weeks of scooping batter into waffle irons, Aldape’s team of chefs and student workers were ready to feed hungry crowds with 4,000 toasted waffles, 225 gallons of ice cream and more than a dozen topping options.
A few minutes before 8 p.m., a flood of eager students gathered on the University Center mall waiting for their turn to grab a plate. The two-hour event featured four waffle serving stations, hundreds of blue and orange balloons, music, dancing and raffle prizes.
For many attendees, after a long hiatus from in-person activities, the event was a welcome change of scenery. After classes moved online due to the pandemic, education major Christian Capers missed her interactions with other students.
“It feels great to be back on campus with thousands of my peers,” Capers said. “I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.”
Stephen Berg, adjunct assistant professor of educational leadership and policy studies and one of the event’s organizers, said UTA hosts Waffleopolis on the first day of classes to provide a space where students can relax and get to know the campus community.
“The start of a new semester can be a bit stressful,” Berg said. “Waffleopolis is a fun reminder that UTA cares about the well-being of our students. We want to create an environment where students feel engaged and supported.”