Schools
Tulsa University Dining and Association of Black Collegians Partner for Soul Food Soirée
Student collaboration shapes a Black History Month celebration rooted in culture, cuisine, and campus connection.
TULSA, OK — On February 20, Tulsa University (TU) Dining at the University of Tulsa partnered directly with the Association of Black Collegians (ABC) to host the annual Soul Food Soirée in recognition of Black History Month.
From the start, the menu was shaped through collaboration. TU Dining chefs met with ABC student leaders to discuss which dishes should be featured, why those selections mattered, and how they would be presented to the campus community. ABC members helped guide the choices, ensuring the menu reflected meaningful culinary traditions, while the chefs translated those ideas into large-scale production for the dining hall.
The final lineup reflected that shared planning process.
In the kitchen, the culinary team focused on bringing each agreed-upon dish to life. Catfish and hush puppies were fried in carefully timed batches to maintain texture and flavor. Shrimp and grits were prepared with attention to seasoning and consistency. Mac and cheese was baked to achieve a creamy interior with a crisp top layer. Collard greens simmered to develop depth, while cornbread, fried okra, and candied yams rounded out the plate.
Desserts and beverages were prepared with equal care. Pound cake and red velvet cake were sliced and plated for service, banana pudding shooters were portioned for easy enjoyment, and sweet tea was brewed and chilled to complement the meal.
Throughout the evening, students and staff filled the dining hall and responded with strong enthusiasm. Many expressed appreciation for seeing a student organization actively involved in shaping the menu and working alongside the dining team to create the event.
The partnership also sparked further interest across campus. Following the soirée, the German Club reached out to TU Dining to explore hosting its own cultural food celebration, reinforcing dining’s role as a gathering space for student collaboration.
Through close coordination with the Association of Black Collegians, Tulsa University Dining delivered a Soul Food Soirée grounded in partnership, preparation, and shared pride—bringing the campus community together around food and conversation during Black History Month.
This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner.. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch. To learn more, click here.