The Kelce Graduate Student Association hosted their Annual Kelce SOUPer Bowl on Feb. 5. This competition brought in KGSA members, Kelce College faculty and staff, and other members of the Kelce College community. A total of nine soups made by Kelce faculty and staff were entered into the competition. Human Resource Development Professor Dr. Mark Johnson won the competition for his taco delight soup.
“There is nothing special about the soup, “Taco Delight,” Johnson said. “It was a recipe a family friend had shared years ago, and my wife Jacki and I really enjoy the soup. It’s got plenty of flavor and is easy to fix. I am just really happy everyone liked it as much as we do.”
KGSA President and a graduate student pursuing an MBA with an emphasis in Human Resources, Makayla Pilcher, helped organize the event. The event created meaningful interaction between students and faculty, she said.
“The event was important because it created an opportunity for meaningful interaction between graduate students, faculty, and staff in a relaxed and engaging environment,” Pilcher said. “It also helped strengthen relationships and foster a greater sense of connection within the Kelce College.”
Johnson also view the event as a way to connect with students and faculty.
“I participated to get more involved and connected with the students and faculty within the College of Business,” Johnson said. “I spent my first 39 years teaching in the College of Technology until the HRD program was moved to Kelce in January of 2024. I felt it was a good way to get connected with my new colleagues.”
Pilcher was pleased with the turnout and the feedback she received for the event.
“The turnout was amazing this year,” Pilcher said. “We experienced a steady flow of participation throughout the event, with consistent engagement from faculty, staff, and graduate students across the Kelce College. We received positive feedback from everyone who attended.”
Beyond connections, this event also served as a fundraiser to support future KGSA events.
“The event was designed to support professional networking between KGSA members and Kelce College faculty and staff, encourage engagement through friendly competition, and enhance community building within the Kelce College,” Pilcher said. “Additionally, the event served as a fundraiser to collect donations in support of future KGSA events.”
As a graduate assistant and president of KGSA, Pilcher values the connections and opportunities KGSA has given her.
“As the graduate assistant for the Assistant Dean of Graduate Business Programs, I hold the role as the KGSA President,” Pilcher said. “I value supporting graduate student engagement and contributing to a strong, connected graduate community. KGSA provides opportunities to represent graduate students while helping create events that encourage professional development and collaboration.”
Johnson thought the event was fun and appreciated KGSA hosting it.
“I want to thank the Kelce Graduate Student Association for hosting the event,” Johnson said. “I think it is a wonderful idea, and I applaud their efforts in setting up a really fun event.”