Ice Cream & Dessert with the Physics Department

Halfway into Lab Ice Cream Fest, dedicated ice cream fans wait in line

Twice a semester, the Physics department hosts sweet inspired events for freshmen, sophomores, and physics majors at the Hixon Courtyard outside Galileo. People wait in line hours prior to set up, chat with physics professors and each other. 

Prof. Eckert, the appointed “Physics Department Party Planner and Minister for Frivolity,” sends out emails notifying the student body. Each event occurs around midterm season to bring us “healthy respite… from the trials and tribulations of midterms,” as Prof. Eckert promises us.

The first is DESSERTFEST, where each physics professor brings a special homemade dessert, followed by Lab Ice Cream Fest. I attended both and can confirm that the lines are warranted – everything was delicious! Students had to be restrained from taking extras, and the fudge brownies were rationed. Ice Cream Fest was a hit, regardless of the 55 degree weather; everyone loves the Physics Department’s liquid sugar concoction frozen by liquid nitrogen!

Pre-ice cream: Prof. Eckert is wary of the crowd that has formed in front of him, Prof. Sparks is focused on the nitrogen tank, while Prof. Lynn is deep in conversation.

Getting closer!

A fresh batch of ice cream

Delicious vanilla goodness, supplemented by chocolate syrup and whipped cream near by

It’s sad that next year I won’t be able to take part in this tradition again, but I will be sure to live vicariously through my physics major friends and the underclassmen.