Saying goodbye after years of study together is never easy, but the UIII Faculty of Social Sciences (FOSS) has found a unique way to turn farewell into a shared celebration.

This year’s graduating students leave not only with academic achievements but also with a collective memory bound in a recipe book titled “The Feast of the Commons: A Recipe Collection by the Graduates of the Faculty of Social Sciences 2025.”

The book, filled with traditional recipes contributed by each graduate, was distributed during the judicium ceremony on August 22, 2025. More than a simple compilation of dishes, it serves as a token of friendship and shared experience, connecting graduates who will soon be embarking on journeys across different parts of the world.

“We thank all the students of the FOSS Class of 2025 who contributed to this recipe book,” said Philips J. Vermonte, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. “Food tells stories, and seeing our students proudly celebrate their rich and colorful cultures is priceless. Each dish carries memories and love, connecting us at FOSS who come from many different traditions and communities. Reading this book will make you feel as if you are sitting at the same dining table with our students, experiencing the richness of their culture and the beauty of their backgrounds through the dishes they share.”

The initiative, first introduced in 2024, has quickly become a cherished tradition. Each student was required to submit a recipe and a short narrative of its cultural significance—playfully framed as a requirement for attending graduation. The result is a deeply personal anthology of flavors and stories, representing the diverse origins of FOSS graduates.

In anticipation of the book’s launch, the recipes were brought to life at an International Food Festival held on Friday, August 15, 2025. Students from different countries prepared their dishes for the entire faculty community, turning the event into a joyous feast of shared delicacies and cross-cultural appreciation.

Reflecting on the tradition, Dean Vermonte emphasized its value. “We will soon be separated by oceans and distance as the students return to their countries. Everyone will continue the journey to wherever life takes them, but we hope that this recipe book will forever connect us. This collection is a celebration of our students’ culinary expressions and a small window into their worlds.”

What began as a small idea has now blossomed into a meaningful way for graduates to carry the spirit of UIII FOSS wherever they go. For the Class of 2025, The Feast of the Commons will remain a delicious reminder that though their paths may diverge, they will always share a common table in memory.