Liberty University Dining Hosts Survivor-Inspired “Rot Island” Competition

LYNCHBURG, VA — An evening at Liberty University shifted into a high-energy, immersive experience on April 14 as Liberty University Dining, in partnership with Sodexo, transformed the Reber-Thomas Dining Center into “Rot Island,” a Survivor-inspired event that drew students into a dynamic mix of food, creativity, and competition.

From the moment doors opened, the dining center filled with activity. Liberty University Dining set the tone with interactive stations including Castaway Portraits, Island Tattoos, the Buff Creation Station, and an Idol Scavenger Hunt that encouraged students to move throughout the space. The Balloon Art Bar quickly stood out, with palm tree hats and turtle bracelets appearing across the room as students leaned into the theme.

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Creativity carried through every element of the event. At the Buff Creation Station, students designed custom pieces to represent their “tribes,” while the Idol Scavenger Hunt kept the momentum going. By the end of the night, 27 of the 30 hidden idol bags had been found, with students eagerly claiming prizes along the way.

Liberty University Dining carried the theme into the menu with a lineup that pushed students to try something new. Selections ranged from smoked goat leg and rotisserie rabbit to venison blueberry sausage and dragon fruit grilled chicken. More adventurous offerings, including scorpion crostinis and pig’s feet and tails, added an element of surprise, while strawberry and mango Dole Whip delivered a refreshing break and quickly became a favorite.

At the center of the evening, a live Survivor-style competition drew a crowd and held it. Organized by Liberty University Dining, the event featured resident assistants, faculty, and students competing in challenges such as Crossing the Current, Knowledge is Power, and Stack to Survive. Contestants raced through obstacle paths, tested their aim and knowledge, and balanced under pressure, with timed voting eliminations heightening the stakes as the rounds progressed.

Jonas Larson earned the title of Sole Survivor, with Mabree Andrus and Kelly Hause finishing as runners-up. Kailey Alberici placed fourth, while Luke Ippolito and Joshua tied for fifth.

Rot Island kept Reber-Thomas Dining Center active from start to finish, with students moving between challenges, comparing creations, and reacting to each elimination as it happened. The mix of bold food, hands-on activities, and live competition held attention throughout the night and gave students a reason to stay and take part as the experience unfolded.

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