Midnight Breakfast: A Barnard Tradition
On a recent December Thursday, Barnard students emerged from libraries all over campus for Midnight Breakfast. Midnight Breakfast is Barnard’s biggest tradition, in which faculty and staff serve students breakfast food (ice cream is considered a breakfast food, right?) the night before final exams start. Students are welcome to come as they are (yes, this includes pajamas) to be served tater tots by President Bielock or french toast by Dean Hinkson. Each semester’s Midnight Breakfast has a different theme, and multiple levels of the Diana Center are decked out accordingly.
President Beilock and Dean Hinkson at Midnight Breakfast!
First-Years are let into Midnight Breakfast first in the Fall (since it's their first Midnight Breakfast), and Seniors are let in first in the Spring (since it's their last Midnight Breakfast). Students are greeted with cheers and encouragement from the “Whoo Crew,” as well as Millie the Bear and an on-theme playlist full of throwback songs (curated by yours truly).
This year’s theme was Camp Millie; students could pose for photo opps in a camping tent or make friendship bracelets while chowing down on food from the “mess hall.” Some of my favorite past themes have included Midnight at the Museum, Sleepover, #TBT, and Once Upon a Midnight Breakfast. Some of my favorite Barnard memories have taken place at Midnight Breakfast, from just sitting on the floor eating ice cream with new friends my first year to painting on the walls of and dancing around in the old library right before it was knocked down to make room for the new Milstein Teaching and Learning Center.
I’ve had the opportunity to help plan and work at Midnight Breakfast since my First Year Spring as a member of the McIntosh Activities Council (McAc). I’m on the Community Committee, which plans traditions like Big Sub and Midnight Breakfast, but McAc also consists of four other committees that plan events for students. It's been a wonderful part of my Barnard experience and a fantastic way to get involved on campus!
As always, feel free to reach out with comments and questions!
Deena Cohen ‘18
dc2970@barnard.edu