Written by: Lesieli Savelio
January 20 marked the fifth Pop with the Prez event, a newly minted campus activity that allows students to interact socially with Southern President Ken Shaw.
A Tasty Donuts food truck appeared in front of Wright Hall, along with hot cocoa and Mrs. Shaw’s homemade banana bread.
The fifth pop-up is not the last one. There are three more planned for this semester, according to Shana Fairchild, digital engagement manager for Marketing and University Relations.
Last semester, there were four Pop with the Prez events, providing free popcorn, soda pop, Pop-Tarts and other snacks. Shaw and his wife, Ann, used the time to greet students and hand out food. As during the January 20 event, sometimes Mrs. Shaw brought her own baked goods to share.
The idea for Pop with the Prez came from another university’s unique tradition.
“This was actually inspired by something that Baylor University does,” Fairchild said. “They have something called ‘Dr. Pepper Hour,’ where they have Dr. Pepper floats, and sometimes the president of the university will go and serve the students.”
Since Shaw has a busy schedule, Fairchild thought of doing a pop-up style event, giving students and the president a chance to connect.
Shaw said his favorite part of Pop with the Prez is getting to meet and interact with students.
“Oftentimes, students will be going to class, or they’re in a bit of a hurry,” Shaw said. “But some are getting out of class, and they’ll just pause; and we get to have a good discussion.”
Students have appreciated this aspect of the pop-up, as well.
“I think that it is great that the president is trying to get more connected with students,” senior biology major Marco Swaisgood said. “I think it goes a long way, even though it is a small thing.”
Though Pop with the Prez began as a way to introduce the new president to campus, Fairchild hopes it continues and becomes a Southern tradition.
“I think Southern could use some more permanent traditions,” Fairchild said. “I hope it will continue on in some form or another.”
President Shaw agrees.
“I hope the next president will embrace this [Pop with the Prez] and want to do it as well,” he said.
If students have feedback or ideas for what they would like to see at future Pop with the Prez events, they can contact Fairchild or message @southernadventistuniversity on Instagram.