The Mabees treat students to wintry fun

Lottie Jane and John Mabee Hall collaborated to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The University of Tulsa Residence Life welcomed residents to Lottie Jane and John Mabee dorm halls for an experience like no other. On Saturday, the dorms hosted a joint event aimed to foster a sense of community and belonging among residents while offering an array of engaging experiences. From do-it-yourself tote bags to indulging in delectable treats from the Get Toasted food truck, students reveled in an evening filled with French toast, field games and fun.
During the Welcome to the Mabees Winter Night, Lottie Jane overflowed with winter-themed decorations as red and pink cuffs were strewn around the lobby. Students were also encouraged to participate in a coat and blanket drive as a philanthropic competition occurred between the two dorm buildings. Both dorms ended the night tied on donations as TU students showed their giving nature.
The evening began with students gathered around the DIY tote bag station, alleviating any stress of the week through artistic endeavors. Student artists had an assortment of colors to work with for their personalized bags and transformed their totes into unique introspections of their minds. One attendee slathered “#FreeRio” on their tote bag, echoing a sentiment heard throughout Detroit calling for the release of popular rapper Rio da Yung OG. Rio was sentenced to five years in prison for possession of a gun with intent to distribute controlled substances.
While participants painted to their heart’s content, students enjoyed delicious sweets from Get Toasted. Get Toasted is the world-renowned Tulsa-based food truck, and they dished out wonderous concoctions of French toast including strawberry cheesecake, peach cobbler and chicken and French toast, as well as griddle sandwiches.
Grant Doolin, a John Mabee resident assistant described the French toast as a “transcendent culinary experience, unmatched in my 21 years of life. The way the flavors of that chicken and French toast enveloped my tongue left me a changed man.”
No one left the event hungry as seconds were served upon request. Libations at the event were plentiful, as one could choose between apple cider, hot chocolate or a medley of coffee flavors.
One of the highlights of the night was the Pie Your RA event. Residents had the chance to pie the Mabee resident assistants. Armed with whipped cream pies and whimsy, students lined up for their chance to deliver a sweet surprise to their all too willing resident assistant. Cheyenne Martin, a Fisher Suites resident assistant believes “this was a phenomenal event and my only complaint is that it was very cold.” A third of the 63 attendees got a chance to show their resident assistants just how much they appreciate them with a pie to the face.
After the residents were tired of slinging pies at their resident assistants, those desiring to perform took the stage for a karaoke night. From trap hits to country classics, students took to the mic with gusto — undoubtedly making John Mabee and Lottie Jane proud from the great beyond.
Through the combination of organization, creativity and delicious breakfast foods, students came together for a night that will not soon be forgotten.