In many Ph.D. programs, there is a qualifying or comprehensive exam that must be taken in order to officially become a “Ph.D. candidate.” Last month, JY in our lab passed his qualifying exam (woo-hoo!). With a big exam comes a big celebration, and in our lab, we take our celebrations very seriously!
The official handshake, along with the homemade Stanley Cup.
Because JY is from Michigan, we went with a “Midwest” theme, combining all things Midwest (flannel, trucker hats, All-American cooking) with the things most loved by JY: Pabst Blue Ribbon, ice hockey, and metal/punk rock music. Our lab tends overdo the food thing (see example here), and this time was no different. Everyone chipped in, potluck style, and we had a bounty of meat- and carb-heavy foods, such as:
Big chunks of meat, for sandwiches.
Chicken pot pies, from Bakesale Betty's. Also note the potato and macaroni salads (made by a Korean!) off to the side.
The chicken pot pies were a huge success. So delicious!
Mac & cheese
Perogies. Very Midwestern.
And let’s not forget the dessert!
Homemade fudge -- apparently, also a big Michigan thing.
Homemade pecan pie -- the only kind of dessert JY likes.
There was much eating, drinking, and singing. (I have video of the impromptu solo karaoke session by JY, but I won’t share it here… needless to say, it was quite hilarious.) Congrats, presumptive Dr. JY!
Trying to rock out despite the food coma.
I love this photo of you SO MUCH. Pot pies look friendly.
Oh, the pot pies are great. They are take and bake, and quite pricey ($25 each) but well worth it! The chicken is tender and juicy, and the stock inside is SO flavorful. Best pot pie ever. I was full but kept going back for more.
nice job JY!
missing SP’s pies/cakes… and bakesale bettys’
You should’ve never left us, Jane! And AW made the pie! (SP was out of town that day.)