Friday Night Gatherings start off the year October 4, 2022 By Collegeville Institute Leave a Comment Every Friday night, resident scholars and Collegeville Institute staff gather for a longstanding tradition of community bonding, the Friday Night Gathering. Often, our resident scholars focus on their work, writing, and research throughout the week, while also enjoying the place of the Collegeville Institute and wider Saint John’s University campus. This includes walking through the arboretum, utilizing the library, or attending campus events. However, on Friday that changes as the Butler Center at the Collegeville Institute comes alive with the sound of conversation and the aroma of food. The inaugural Friday Night Gatherings of the 2022-2023 year, held on September 23, and September 30, jumpstarted the tradition for the new scholars in style. Featuring various soups, bread, salad, fruit, and even desserts, ample food was shared. And participation was strong, with many of the current residents participating over the past two weeks. The gatherings are hosted by either Collegeville Institute residents or staff and provide an opportunity for a community member to share a favorite recipe or coordinate ordering in a meal for everyone. Friday Night Gatherings will continue throughout the year, and as residents come and go, will provide a consistent place of community for everyone who calls the Collegeville Institute home this year. Collegeville Institute staff and residents attending the Sept. 30 gathering included (from left to right): staff member Connor Kockler, and residents Ann Garrido, Leslie Herrmann, Tiffany Vail, Peter Folan SJ, Kathleen Norris, and Michelle Lelwica. Photo taken by Collegeville Institute student worker and gathering host Abby Henning. The first Friday Night Gathering of the year on Sept. 23 was hosted by Collegeville Institute student workers Abby Henning and Maddie Lenius. Like this post? Subscribe to have new posts sent to you by email the same day they are posted.