Shannon Memory Leads A&S Thanksgiving Meal

Shannon Memory, a staff member at the University of Cincinnati, is organizing the first free Thanksgiving dinner for the College of Arts and Sciences. The event will take place on November 20. Memory, who launched a similar program at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business the previous year, expanded the initiative to the Arts and Sciences college this year. She aims to provide a communal meal for students and employees who may not be traveling home for the holiday.

Memory started the tradition at the business school in 2025. She brought the concept to Arts and Sciences for the 2026 holiday season. The program is designed for individuals who are far from their families or who consider their university community to be their primary support network. The college hopes to replicate the success she saw in the business school.

Approximately 90 students, faculty members, and staff members have expressed interest in attending. Memory stated that this number includes people from various backgrounds. Some attendees are from different countries, while others are from local areas. The group represents a mix of the university's population. The meal serves as a gathering point for these individuals.

Participants can reserve a spot through November 6. The RSVP deadline ensures enough food is prepared for the crowd. Memory emphasized that many students lack the chance to celebrate with their biological families. She noted that for some, staff and peers serve as a substitute family unit. The dinner addresses this specific need for connection during the break.

The menu features a standard American Thanksgiving spread. Staff will serve turkey, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and green beans. The meal is entirely free to those who register. Memory described the food as a traditional offering intended to comfort attendees.

The event will be held in rooms 400 A, B, and C of Tangeman University Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and close at 6:30 p.m. on November 20. The space will be decorated for the holiday. In addition to the meal, organizers have scheduled a trivia session for attendees. The activities are designed to encourage social interaction among the group.

Memory cited the reaction of students as her favorite aspect of the program. She recalled seeing joy when students tried new foods for the first time. She asked attendees where they consider home to be. She said the event is her favorite project since joining UC. The college will finalize the guest list once the RSVP period ends on November 6.