Students got a tasty welcome to school after the snowstorm Monday as Durham College (DC) held Student Appreciation Day on February 3.

“Student Appreciation day is a day when we take pause to recognize our students and their efforts in pursuing their goals,” said Tara Blackburn, director of Student Life. “A cookie and hot beverage in February can hit the spot when studying and prepping assignments!”

Wearing their I Heart DC T-shirts, college staff showed their appreciation for students by helping to give out cookies and coupons for a free hot beverage at any Aramark location on campus. Don Lovisa, president of DC, was also on the scene, to greet and chat with students as they made their way around campus.

Upon seeing the hustle and bustle of the cookie initiative, Charlie Qaqish, a first-year General Arts and Science – Liberal Arts student, jumped right in to help.

“I love doing things like this; giving people a smile,” said Qaqish. “It’s great to make people feel like they are here. I’ve always wanted to do something like this.”

The day was a big hit with thousands of cookies and coupons distributed, and students had the opportunity to share what they love about DC on social media using the #iheartdc hash tag for a chance to win cool swag.