People wearing UW–Madison aprons and gloves scoop ice cream from large tubs

Scoops & smiles: IT pros gather for campus ice cream social

More than 150 IT professionals from across the university gathered for a sweet treat and even sweeter company at UW–‍Madison’s first IT Ice Cream Social on Thursday.

A large group of IT professionals socialize in a large room.
IT professionals from across the university gathered in the Health Sciences Learning Center on Thursday, August 15, 2024, for an ice cream social. (Photo by Rich Gassen)

A scoop of fun

The Health Sciences Learning Center was buzzing with energy as colleagues from various departments came together. The room was filled with lively conversations, laughter and the occasional brain freeze.

People smile and talk holding ice cream
(Photo by Rich Gassen)

University IT leaders were on hand to serve up scoops of delicious Babcock Dairy ice cream and non-dairy alternatives. By the end of the event, they had scooped out more than 13 gallons of ice cream. It was a great opportunity for everyone to chat informally and put faces to names often only seen in email threads and virtual calls.

People scooping ice cream wearing aprons
From right: Rob Kohlhepp, chief information officer at the College of Engineering; Todd Shechter, university chief technology officer; and Laurel Belman, DoIT events manager, serve ice cream. (Photo by Rich Gassen)

While the frozen treats were a hit, the real star of the show was the chance to connect with fellow IT professionals.

“(It was) great to see IT folks across campus. I got to meet people I work with remotely but haven’t met in person yet. It was awesome!”

People chatting holding ice cream
(Photo by Rich Gassen)
People crowd around a cell phone to watch a video
(Photo by Rich Gassen)

Attendees also enjoyed university IT trivia slides, party games like bags and Connect 4, and a selfie photo booth area with backdrop and props.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how many people from different groups were there. People didn’t just grab and go, everyone had a reason to stick around and chat. I liked that it featured UW’s own Babcock Dairy ice cream.”

People playing a game of bags
(Photo by Rich Gassen)
People playing Jenga
(Photo by Rich Gassen)

Representatives from IT Connects were on hand to tell attendees about volunteering opportunities to make a difference in the university IT community.

Two people seated at a table share information with a standing person
UW IT Connects members talk about volunteer opportunities. (Photo by Rich Gassen)
A man laughs while scooping ice cream
Dominic Ledesma, DoIT assistant vice provost for culture, climate and engagement, serves ice cream. (Photo by Rich Gassen)

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