By Naomi Balk

CIU Student Writer

Like millions across the nation, CIU students gathered around a plate of chicken wings to watch the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.

Student Body President Andrew McNeil said he is grateful for CIU President Dr. Mark Smith and The Student Life Office for organizing the event for students in the CIU Dining Hall.

“I think it is really exciting to see students come together to enjoy food, fellowship and football,” McNeil said.

Smith and Executive Vice President Dr. Rick Christman made an appearance at the party as students watched the game on a big screen TV.

Sophomore Kaleb Howell looked around the room at his fellow students having a good time and observed that CIU brings its own culture to the Super Bowl. Howell said with a grin, “Everywhere you look you see positivity.”

“I didn’t realize how many people would be here and how big it was going to be. I just stopped by for some food,” said junior, Jaelen Rodriguez. She also reflected on the Latino emphasis in the halftime show, noting a wider cultural expression celebrated on stage.

As for the game, Howell called Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes of the champion Chiefs, “a pure magician on the field,” adding, “Both teams were so versatile in so many different elements of the game.”

Madison Janning, a sophomore, pronounced the CIU Super Bowl party a success and said, “I hope they do it again next year.”

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