The smell of waffles, the sound of music and the feeling of connection were all on full display on Aug. 24 as The University of Texas at Arlington hosted one of its signature—and tastiest—welcome-back traditions.
Marking its 25th year, Waffleopolis is a highlight of Maverick Stampede, a series of events welcoming new and returning students alike to campus for the new academic year. After being treated to warm waffles, ice cream and all the toppings they could pile on their plates, thousands of Mavericks made University Center Mall and Brazos Park the largest dance floor in Arlington, partying all through the evening.
"Especially in the wake of the pandemic, it's about camaraderie. Waffleopolis is the perfect way for students to get to know each other," said Sean Armstrong, Maverick Dining resident district manager. "Also, it's comfort food. When you mix waffles and ice cream together in this heat, it's the perfect stage for students to break that barrier of getting to know one another."
You don't have to remind junior Jessica Rodriguez and senior Maria Ladesma Ramirez about the pandemic. The two friends met at their community college before transferring to UTA together. They were excited to have a chance to finally be with their fellow Mavericks in person.
"We started at UTA during COVID, so we didn't get to do a lot of activities," Rodriguez said. "And this is Maria's last semester, and it's the first week. We want to do stuff!"
Said Ramirez: "I'm trying to take advantage of everything this week. And it's free waffles!"
It took more than two months of planning to make enough waffles to feed more than 4,000 people, Executive Chef Maja Gajic said. But the actual eating is not necessarily the highlight for her.
"It's the vibe, the students, the glow sticks," she said. "People coming up really happy and telling stories. It's the memory of it—not just the waffles."
Ramirez agrees. She already knows that Maverick Stampede will be one of her lasting UTA memories.
"This week is going to be the most special," she said.
