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SPILLING THE TEA ON HIGH TEA FOR HERITAGE WEEK

By Roo Rusk, Staff Writer

Newman’s Heritage Month this year will include the age-old, annual tradition of High Tea, a semi-formal event in celebration of John Henry Cardinal Newman’s birthday and his British heritage.

The serving of tea in fine china and with light refreshments for students has been a custom organized by the High Tea Committee for many decades. It began as a social event for the young women of Sacred Heart College.

The event itself is free, but certain items on the menu will be for sale. Refreshments include traditional tea foods such as smoked salmon, trifle, fine cheeses, biscuit cookies and tarts.

High Tea is set to take place in two sessions of 2- 4 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center to accommodate as many students and other guests as possible between classes throughout the day.

“Hundreds of people will go. It’s mostly intended for Newman, but that means current students, alumni, faculty and staff,” Professor of English Dr. Susan Crane-Laracuente said.

Students looking for service hours are highly encouraged to sign up to participate at the event, as the committee is always looking for more help serving.

“The conference center is decked out with decorations... each table is unique. You might find an elegant lavender set at your table or a quirky Noah’s Ark,” Diana Stanley, a Newman alumna, said.

She said that, while not mandatory, festive hats and attire are recommended.

Crane said High Tea owes much of its success to its volunteers.

She said it typically has “enormous numbers of volunteers. At least a hundred people work every year. Students help too. They’re a big part every year as well as alumnus or even retired staff.”PHOTO: HIGH TEA is a celebration of Newman’s British heritage that occurs every year during homecoming week. Courtesy Photo, Newman Advancement

The serving of tea in fine china and with light refreshments for students has been a custom organized by the High Tea Committee for many decades. It began as a social event for the young women of Sacred Heart College.

The event itself is free, but certain items on the menu will be for sale. Refreshments include traditional tea foods such as smoked salmon, trifle, fine cheeses, biscuit cookies and tarts.

High Tea is set to take place in two sessions of 2- 4 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center to accommodate as many students and other guests as possible between classes throughout the day.

“Hundreds of people will go. It’s mostly intended for Newman, but that means current students, alumni, faculty and staff,” Professor of English Dr. Susan Crane-Laracuente said.

Students looking for service hours are highly encouraged to sign up to participate at the event, as the committee is always looking for more help serving.

“The conference center is decked out with decorations... each table is unique. You might find an elegant lavender set at your table or a quirky Noah’s Ark,” Diana Stanley, a Newman alumna, said.

She said that, while not mandatory, festive hats and attire are recommended.

Crane said High Tea owes much of its success to its volunteers.

She said it typically has “enormous numbers of volunteers. At least a hundred people work every year. Students help too. They’re a big part every year as well as alumnus or even retired staff.”

PHOTO: HIGH TEA is a celebration of Newman’s British heritage that occurs every year during homecoming week. Courtesy Photo, Newman Advancement