Bathed in the warm natural light of the RAD Center, students gathered for UH Dining's Meal Plan Mixer, an event designed to showcase the benefits of campus dining while creating opportunities to connect with fellow Cougars. Attendees enjoyed food, mocktails, raffle prizes, and valuable information about meal plan options in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The mixer was open to current meal plan holders and students interested in learning more about campus dining. For students who already had meal plans, the event offered tips on maximizing their benefits, along with a complimentary T-shirt. Prospective meal plan holders had the opportunity to explore available options, ask questions, and sign up for a plan while experiencing firsthand what UH Dining has to offer.
"The mixer is just such a cool thing to do, especially at the start of the semester. That's when you're looking for those connections," said Alexcis Mendoza, UH Dining district marketing manager. "Being able to let your hair down, take a deep breath, and grab a mocktail should absolutely be associated with how easy, peaceful, and carefree it is to have a meal plan."
In addition to UH Dining, several campus departments participated in the event, including
CAPS, the Division of Student Affairs, Parking & Transportation, and Learning Abroad.
Representatives from each area were available to answer questions and share resources
with students. Monster Energy also was on site providing complimentary beverages.
Rather than following a set agenda, the mixer encouraged students to explore at their
own pace, sampling food and mocktails, entering raffles, visiting campus resource
tables, and connecting with fellow Cougars. Gabriel Diaz, a sophomore who won the
first raffle prize, discovered the event while passing by the Monster Energy truck
outside the RAD Center.
"The food is excellent. The mocktail is great. The environment is great. I have nothing negative to say. It's all positive," Diaz said.
The upbeat atmosphere was evident throughout the evening.
"I love all the events that UH Foodie [UH Dining] does," said Melvina Morkos, a sophomore majoring in biomedical sciences. "I got to learn more about the CAPS program this time, which was really interesting."
The Meal Plan Mixer proved to be a welcoming, low-pressure environment where students could unwind, socialize, and learn more about campus resources. Yoana Todorova, a junior majoring in human nutrition and foods, explained why both the event and her meal plan appeal to her.
"I love how this event is later in the evening for people like me with busy schedules who can just come, grab a bite, and introduce themselves to someone," said Todorova.
Mehak Haider, a sophomore majoring in kinesiology, and Pranav Karthikeyan, a junior majoring in supply chain management, attended the event to meet up with friends and spend time at the RAD Center.
"It's a really great time with a lot of great people and great food," said Haider.
For Karthikeyan, the opportunity to visit the RAD Center was an added benefit.
"I don't come here [the RAD Center] a lot because my classes are farther away, but it's nice with good music, good food, and good drinks," said Karthikeyan.
Through food, conversation, and campus engagement, the Meal Plan Mixer highlighted how UH Dining creates opportunities for students to build connections while learning about the services and resources available to them.