On Monday, Feb. 20, students and staff packed into Kaufman Dining Hall to celebrate the 64th birthday of a staff member, Karen White. Enjoying music and eating cake, students participated in the celebration as they made their way in and out of the hall for dinner.
“The food was delicious, the cake was delicious, and the director, Angel and Elizabeth in the office and Angela they were very considerate. I wanted to thank Peter and the chef and the rest of the staff in the kitchen and everyone that gave me gifts, birthday cards, hugs, birthday wishes and pictures. Thank you. So much. And I felt like a real princess. It’s something I’ll never forget in my life, thanks to all the students and everybody,” said White.
Getting the party started
Balloons and streamers-filled Kaufman. It garnished the upper dining area’s banisters. Tablecloths were decorated on select tables in the main-floor dining area. In the corner in front of the hall, a table with balloons and a sparkly backdrop marked where the birthday woman would sit. Crowding the dining area was a large group of students eating dinner and talking.
When White walked into the building, people sang happy birthday to her. Students filled the space with a roar of clapping as White entered the main dining area. Some event soon to welcome her. White had decided to dress up for the occasion. Stepping around the tables in a long burgundy evening gown and a tiara, she made it to the table decorated for her. Not long after she began settling in, other staff members placed a thick birthday cake in front of her. It had thick tan, cream and purple frosting with decorations of frosting balloons and chocolate-covered strawberries. And, of course, the words ‘Happy Birthday Karen.’
Students and staff celebrating weren’t the only celebrators, though. White’s family members could stop by to celebrate, including her brother, daughter, three of her grandkids and great-grandbaby.
Once the entrance was complete, many students returned to their tables to eat and talk. But many were also lining up to take photos with the birthday woman and wish her a happy birthday. Well-wishers were already setting birthday presents and cards on the table to the right of Karen. Exchanging hugs with the birthday woman, students smiled and talked with her. Celebrating White’s birthday was not a problem for some of these students, as one student mentioned the wrestling team’s respect for her.
“There’s no K-man without Karen. She lights up our days,” said Sydney Park, ’26. “Something the wrestling team says is the K in K-man stands for Karen.”
Thank you message
White knew many students were approaching her for well-wishing, hugs and photos. Listing the hugs from students as one thing she loved from the party, White also mentioned gathering pictures from the event. Sharing that she had already received permission to have another birthday party next year, White already had ideas. Knowing that some student DJs are on campus, White plans to have more music and dancing next time. Some ideas involve making the event next year even bigger and better. At the same time, she was grateful for this year’s party.
“I loved it. All because of all students, You all made it so amazing. I didn’t realize how well loved I am around here, and I love you all dearly. And that’s truly from my heart. Everybody seems like extended family, my family. And I had a blast,” said White.
