Challenge accepted! U of A students will join their peers at 300 other colleges and universities on Wednesday, Feb. 15, to participate in our annual "Delight-Ful," a nationwide event designed to celebrate, carry out and encourage random acts of kindness across the country. This JoyFUL signature event was created by Chartwells Higher Education, a recognized leader in contract foodservice management and the U of A's food service partner (aka Food on The Hill).

The Delight-Ful challenge will take place simultaneously across all Chartwells' campuses, encouraging Chartwells' associates, students, faculty and staff to collectively perform random acts of kindness. At the U of A, students will be delighted with a two-part event:

• Part One will be at the Union Food Court from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with campus partners, freebies, music and more. At this event, guests can get a Kindness Passport where — if they complete three Random acts of kindness — they can come to our dinner that night for free or earn one service hour via Givepulse.
• Part Two will take place at Pomfret Dining Hall from 4:30-8 p.m. with games, music, letter writing and a student choice menu item!

"Our students have dealt with some difficult circumstances over the last couple years. We're overjoyed to be able to bring back our Delight-Ful event to give them a special, memorable and impactful experience that celebrates being back on campus while also making them feel part of a bigger movement to bring some kindness to the world," said Ann Cole, marketing coordinator, Food on The Hill.

In addition to day-of on-campus activities and events, Chartwells will be delivering KIND bars to The Northwest Arkansas Children's Hospital Staff, their associates and event attendees.

"We strive to give students the opportunity to help, surprise and delight one another, both inside and outside of our dining halls, so we wanted to create an event centered around random acts of kindness," said Lisa McEuen, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. "National Random Acts of Kindness Day was the perfect catalyst for our next signature JoyFul event, and we've made it our goal to bring half a million acts of kindness to the communities we serve nationwide."

About Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services: Chartwells is the recognized leader in contract food service management, hospitality and award-winning guest service within over 300 college and university dining environments throughout academic institutions across the U.S. Chartwells' nutritious cuisine not only satisfies the unique appetites, lifestyles and dietary needs of every guest dining on campus, but it also brings people together to promote the high-intensity relationships that will prepare students for the future. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsHigherEd.com, www.ChartwellsMonthly.com or www.DineonCampus.com.