Henderson, Tennessee — (Dec. 18, 2023) — More than 30 people participated in a unique feast where the goal was to “try edible foods popular in foreign parts of the world.” Epulor XII, which was hosted by the Biology Club, celebrated its 12th year with first-time and repeat guests willing to step outside of their culinary comfort zones in late November.
“Everyone really loves this event,” Allison Jones, a senior biology major, said. Jones is president of the Biology Club. “It’s fun, exciting and there are 17 dishes on the menu game. The winner will receive a $20 gift card to Besso’s.”
The menu game isn’t as easy as it sounds. The multiple choice questions identify the menu items by their scientific names — for example elk is called “Cervus canadensis” while turkey is called “Meleagris gallopavo.”
Long time friends, seniors and biology majors Mary Katherine Walker and Madlyn Maples challenged each other to taste many of the items on the unique buffet as they sat across from each other. “I feel like we should taste these in order,” Maples said. “We’re kind of scared,” Walker added.
On the opposite side of fear sat biology and Bible major Luke Sullivan who embraced trying new things. “Last year’s alligator tasted better than turkey,” he said. “This year my favorite was the eel on rice.” Sullivan is also the treasurer of the Biology Club.
Interestingly the winners of the evening’s challenge were not biology or science students at all. “We didn’t know what we were doing, we were just listening to everyone else and looking for context clues,” said Bradon Hopper about his win with Jay Nguyen, a senior cybersecurity major. Hopper is a junior and pre-engineering major.
“We’re pleased with the excellent turnout and participation,” Dr. Brian Butterfield said. Butterfield is a biology professor. “This evening is really a family affair – science faculty members and spouses helped prepare some of the dishes. It gives people the opportunity to try real food that someone living in another part of the world eats.”
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.