At dusk on Sunday, April 3, virtually every student on Westminster’s campus pushed their way through the doors of Mueller Leadership Hall, giddy with anticipation.
“It’s every man for himself,” one said, maniacally laughing.
Was it a flash mob, a group prank on administration or evidence of a massive underground cult emerging from the shadows to participate in a public ritual?
It was, in fact, Westminster’s unique approach to the official beginning of finals week: the College’s celebrated tradition of Late-Night Breakfast.
An antidote to stress.
A refresher for the weary.
A carb fest for the hangry (with bacon … LOTS of bacon).
It was a feast provided by Fresh Ideas accompanied by service with a smile by faculty and staff who stood in as line servers for the evening.
It was an evening of generous giving through prizes ranging from gift cards and golf clubs to stuffed animals and 65-inch televisions, randomly distributed in 30-second increments to students when their lucky numbers were drawn.
Sophomore Mac Collins, special events co-chair of Campus Activities Board (CAB), began the event by cheerfully lining students up in double rows along the center hallway of Mueller and through the entrance of the adjacent Student Center.
“It’s quite a crowd,” the early childhood education major proudly observed with the energetic demeanor of an enthusiastic camp counselor. “We prepare for this for months, and it really is a lot of fun.”
Junior Blaine Klott, CAB president, helped manage the prize budget this year along with other CAB officers and guidance from Marina Turner, director of Student Engagement and Leadership. As a result of their hard work, Klott anticipated surprise from students when Collins released them from the hallway to line up for the breakfast buffet and to fill the dining room.
“We have a few prizes many haven’t seen before or that others thought we wouldn’t be able to get, so I’m excited to see the reactions from the students,” he added.
Dr. Tami Streeter, education department chair, served pancakes, bacon, sausage patties, hash browns and scrambled eggs elbow to elbow with Dr. Ingrid Ilinca, Westminster’s provost, and Dr. Natasia Sexton, associate professor of music. Each greeted the students personally.
“Hello! It’s so good to see you.”
“Don’t you want more protein?”
“How about MORE pancakes?”
On the other side of the dining room, Dr. Stephanie Wells, vice president of Marketing, Strategic Communications and Community Relations, and her daughter, Agatha, served the same choices next to Sierra Pultman, director of the College’s First-Year Experience.
“Good luck on your finals!” Pultman told each student who passed through the line.
At the far end of the room, Dr. Casey Echelmeier, assistant professor of education, and First Lady Lorraine Lofe scooped up fried chicken and waffles.
By the end of the evening, plates were empty, prizes were claimed and the mood on campus turned joyful despite impending final exams and papers.
“I just love this event,” Lofe said, adding that she makes it a point to work at Late-Night Breakfast each semester. “It is so rewarding to see the prizes, to see the smiles on the students’ faces and to wish everyone well as their semester comes to a close.”
Congratulations to all Westminster students on the completion of spring semester 2026, and good luck on your finals!
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
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