McMaster’s Ice Cream Social draws hundreds of McMaster faculty and staff
Proof that ice cream tastes better with colleagues. (All photos by Georgia Kirkos)
At this year’s Ice Cream and Thank You Social, the ice cream may have needed shade, but the enthusiasm didn’t melt.
Nearly 3,000 ice creams and freezies were handed out to McMaster faculty and staff, who gathered under the hot sun for an afternoon of sweet treats, music and lawn games, all hosted by President Susan Tighe and the University’s vice-presidents.
The annual event is a campus tradition — a way to say thank you to the people who make McMaster one of Canada’s leading universities.
President Tighe introduced members of the senior leadership team, joked that she had “planned the weather” and expressed her gratitude to the gathered guests.
President Tighe and several other senior leaders — Provost Maureen MacDonald; Saher Fazilat, vice-president, Operations and Finance; Gianni Parise, vice-president, Research; and Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences — mingled with faculty and staff and helped serve ice cream.
“The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect, share a smile, and recognize the dedication and hard work that make our university such a vibrant community,” said MacDonald. “I am grateful to everyone who joined us and to the many people behind the scenes who brought this tradition to life again this year.”
With music in the air and lawn games scattered across the field, colleagues connected over cones, sundaes, and frozen novelties. Thanks to the hard work of Hospitality, Housing and Conference Services, and Facilities staff, the ice cream kept coming — even under the blazing sun.
“This event wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of so many staff,” said Saher Fazilat, vice-president, Operations and Finance. “A huge thank you to the organizing committee, and to everyone who set up, served, and kept things running smoothly in the heat.”
As the afternoon wound down, the prize draw brought extra excitement, with MacDonald and Fazilat announcing the lucky winners, listed below, from those who submitted their ballots on-site. All the winners have been contacted.
In-Person Draw
Rafael Román-Caballero – Ti-Cats tickets from the President’s Office
Dorothy Nizind – headphones, Marauders water bottle, towel and other Marauders gear from the office of the provost and vice-president, Academic
Harpuneet Kaur – beach bag, bucket hat, towel and tumbler from the office of the vice-president, Operations and Finance
Toju Edu – baseball cap, blanket, pencil case, scarf and other gear from the vice-president, Advancement
Online Draw
Shaunattonie Henry – Long sleeve shirt, t-shirt, backpack and cutting board from the office of the vice-president, Research
Masarrat Saiyed – McMaster clothing and blanket from the office of the vice-President, Faculty of Health Sciences
