Donning an apron and chef hat, President Balog will be slicing, dicing, and sautéing dinner for students in Wege on Thursday, March 24.

Students are excited about this opportunity to interact with Aquinas’s president for the second year in a row. Not only does Dr. Balog cook the President’s Dinner, he also makes an annual appearance to help serve food during Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts.

“It was cool to see the head of the college interacting with students in that way and it was a good reminder of family dinners at home and how connected the AQ family is,” said Stephanie Krajnik, a junior who attended last year’s meals.

The event originated from a conversation between Dr. Balog’s daughter, Madeline and Marla Poterack, the Director of Aquinas College Dining Services. Mentioning that her father loves to cook, Madeline suggested that Marla invite him to Wege to cook for the students.

“He loves to cook and he loves to be with students, so it’s a natural combination!” said Jan Sommerville, Executive Assistant to the President. “It’s a nice way to engage in a hobby on a different scale, and to share it with the students.”

The menu this year includes a variation of osso bucco made with short ribs, mushroom and red wine risotto, and green beans with Dr. Balog’s secret recipe mustard sauce.