Union University’s Residence Life hosted Chomped on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 7-8:30 p.m., drawing students from every dorm building to the Bowld Student Commons for one of the Union Cup’s most competitive annual events. The “Chopped”-style cooking challenge, first introduced during the 2019-2020 Union Cup, has become a fall-semester staple, offering students a creative break and a chance to earn points for their buildings.
Teams had 75 minutes to create a dessert using three Dr. Seuss-themed mystery ingredients revealed at the start of the competition: pineapple, coconut and popcorn. Judges scored each dessert based on taste, presentation and use of ingredients.
Cody Curtis, assistant director for Residence Life, said Chomped was inspired by the Food Network show “Chopped” but has since developed its own identity on campus.
“It is a competition unlike anything else we do throughout the year,” Curtis said. “Our desire is that even if students do not know how to cook well, they will give it a shot and enjoy seeing all the crazy dishes people come up with.”
Curtis said the event is structured to draw students into a shared experience.
“Events like this encourage residents to get out of their rooms and have fun with other students in their building,” he said. “It cultivates cross-campus community that extends beyond basic social groups. The fun thing is that even if a building’s dish is a complete disaster, the experience creates good memories of trying something new together.”
Colin Harris, senior communications major and resident advisor of Watters 3, said the building-based team format helps connect students who might not otherwise interact.
“My favorite part of Chomped as a student was the feeling of being actually useful,” Harris said. “I was able to utilize my cooking abilities and contribute to my building in a way I hadn’t been able to before. Similarly, as an RA I love seeing guys from my building come out to this event that wouldn’t normally step out. Many people meet each other for the first time at an event like Chomped.”
Harris added that this year’s ingredient combination contributed to a stronger turnout.
“The ingredients were far more cohesive, and it could actually lead to some consistently good dishes across the board,” Harris said. “I noticed a lot more participation from the guys this year, which was also exciting.”
Ayers 4 won the competition with pineapple cupcakes topped with caramelized popcorn and finished with coconut icing. The team was led by Rebekah Ruth Basie, junior philosophy major and the building’s resident advisor.
Basie said her group aimed for a simple, flavorful dessert that highlighted the ingredients, but the collaboration was the most memorable part.
“My favorite part about competing together was experiencing the bonding that can happen when you’re creating under a deadline,” Basie said. “Creativity is so life-giving, and it’s always more fun to share that opportunity with others. Chomped helps build community by providing an opportunity for people to share in this creative outlet that they may not share with people in their building otherwise.”
Now a signature Residence Life tradition, Chomped continues to draw students from across campus — some competing, others cheering on their dorms — all united by the simple joy of good food and friendly competition.
Whether students came to bake or just to taste, the Bowld filled with laughter, sugar and school spirit — a true recipe for community.
