If the University Housing office has anything to say about it, Northern Kentucky University’s annual end-of-semester Feast for Finals event will be a campus staple for years to come.

Celebrating its sixth year of existence, the feast will recommence April 27 in the Norse Commons from 8 to 11 p.m., providing free breakfast food and various activities for NKU students. University Housing Associate Director Pete Trentacoste, who has organized four feasts, believes the event is an important campus tradition and is meant to act as a night to recognize stu dents.

“It’s really something to help celebrate the end of the semester,” Trentacoste said. “It’s our way of saying, ‘Congratulations, you’re done, and before you head off to study, let us provide you with a late-night breakfast.’ It’s also our way of saying thank you for being here at NKU.”

Chartwells – NKU’s on-campus food provider – has once again agreed to provide a free complete breakfast spread to students. The menu will include eggs, sausage, pancakes, waffles, biscuits, gravy and a full beverage station.

Late-night food consumption will not be the only activity available, however. An array of novelty entertainment will accompany the meal, including a photo keychain station, an airbrush tattoo artist, wax hand massages provided by health counseling and a professional karaoke setup. Back by popular demand, the karaoke will resemble an arrangement and selection one might find in a local club, Trentacoste said.

“You’ll be able to sing any song your heart desires to the faculty and staff in attendance,” he said. “Karaoke was so big in the fall, we said ‘why not bring that back again this semester?'”

Always held the Thursday before the last official day of classes, Feast for Finals has averaged between 400 to 500 students over the years, and Trentacoste said this year should be no different. He also said he has received a large amount of requests from faculty and staff who wish to work the event. He believes this involvement is key to the event’s success.

“Once the event gets rolling, it seems like it runs itself,” Trentacoste said. “Even though I’m the event organizer, I really can’t take a lot of the credit. Ultimately I help position things where they need to be, but really it’s the faculty and staff who come in and help that truly make this event what it is.”

For several years, NKU Student Life hosted Feast for Finals, but University Housing eventually accepted responsibility for the event – a move Trentacoste said was a logical one.

“Feast for Finals has always been located back here in Norse Commons, so I think the natural fit is for housing to step up and be a major player in the event,” Trentacoste said. “It’s a great tradition and something we want to continue.”

Trentacoste said University Housing should host the event to take pressure off of students.

“Committees have put this on in the past, but for me, my thought as a staff member is that this is for students, so we shouldn’t have students planning their own ‘thank you.'” Trentacoste said.

While doors will open and activities will begin at 8 p.m., Feast for Finals breakfast will not begin service until 9 p.m. The event is open to all students – residential, commuter and non-traditional.