DeKALB – The scent of hot cocoa immediately wafted through the air, and the sounds of cheerful conversation could be heard. Visitors were encouraged to choose from a variety of delectable sweets and treats to spice up their hot cocoa or enjoy on the side. 

The Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies hosted a small event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday in Room 114 of Zulauf Hall – also known as the Cereal Box – where students could stop in and grab a snack and a warm drink. 

Alongside toasty hot cocoa, there were marshmallows, mini chocolate chips and crushed peppermint pieces to sweeten the cocoa. Two different types of whipped cream – bourbon caramel and sweet vanilla – were also offered. 

Peanut butter and chocolate animal crackers, bright red apples, cinnamon churro bites and granola bars sweetened the experience. Small plates, napkins and stirring spoons were also provided. 

The members of NNGO who supervised the event, Acting Director Mark Schuller, Assistant Director Julie Ann O’Connell and Office Manager Kevin J. Wright, were there to chat with anyone who stopped by. 

Schuller was happy to see the students come and enjoy the refreshments. 

“The center really is a hidden gem,” Schuller said. “We are so excited to be interacting with the students who come to learn and visit us.”

O’Connell always looks forward to students paying the office a visit and enjoys providing opportunities for students to communicate more with each other. 

“For our students, it’s really just a chance for us to see the NNGO students face to face and remind them that this office is a home for them,” O’Connell said. “We have formal networking events every semester, but these kinds of things are informal and they give students a chance to see classmates that maybe they don’t have this semester. Just know that this is a place you belong.”

With the event sadly coming to a close, the visitors left, ready to tackle the rest of their day with satisfied sweet tooths and singed taste buds.