Honoring this Quinnipiac tradition founded by the former dean of the School of Health Science Joe Woods, faculty and staff came together to bake cookies and compete in the holiday lunch and cookie challenge.

The spirited event rang in the holiday season while supporting a meaningful cause.

Departments within the School of Health Sciences were divided into teams and were challenged to create the best theme for their cookies. All proceeds from the people’s choice cookie voting were donated to the Pajama Program. 

Woods and his wife, Gerry, have had a long-standing legacy of giving back to the surrounding communities for several years. Gerry serves as the co-president of the Connecticut Chapter of the Pajama Program.

In addition to baking tasty treats, the faculty and staff community were encouraged to donate pajamas and books for family centers and nearby hospitals. Last year, the School of Health Sciences donated 98 pairs of pajamas, books and $579 in donations for the NICU at Smilow/Yale New Haven Hospital. This year, the cookie challenge raised more than $700 to be donated to the Pajama Program. 

One "beary" special highlight was a honey-theme cookie creation that paid homage to Quinnipiac’s frequent bear sightings. Using Quinni-bee-ac honey harvested on the North Haven Campus, the cookies featured bears with icing bees — a sweet celebration to ring in the holiday season.  

The following teams were awarded as 2024 cookie Challenge winners: 

• Flavor/best tasting: The Q's (Department of Diagnostic Imaging) — Bernadette Mele, Tania Grgurich, Alicia Giaimo, Paula DeMaio and Pauline Roche. 

• Appearance/most creative: Shelf Indulgence (Edward and Barbara Netter Library) — Gina Addona, Lisa Adriani, Robert Joven, Rachel Lerner, Xueying Ren and Matt Wilcox. 

• Presentation/best Holiday Inspired: Clincal Decision Bakers (Department of Physical Therapy) —  Karen Blood, Maureen Herzman and Rachel Pata. 

• Best decorated table: PeaceBakers (Department of Social Work) — Carol Awasu, Maya Doyle, Amber Kelly, DeVonne Allen, Sam Novack, Rosetta Washington, Kim DiMeola, Susanne Salgado, Katherine Sallaku and Emily McCave.