For over a decade, Tucksgiving has brought together students, partners, and families to share a cherished tradition—a Thanksgiving dinner that feels like home. This annual celebration has become a cornerstone of the Tuck community, embodying the warmth, inclusivity, and shared gratitude that define life at Tuck.
The Tucksgiving tradition began in 2014, thanks to the initiative of Jennifer Tietz T’15. Recognizing that some students might not have a place to go for Thanksgiving, Jen organized a dinner in Stell Hall, bringing together 85 members of the Tuck community. Her vision and effort laid the foundation for one of the most beloved traditions at Tuck.
A Tradition Rooted in Connection
Tucksgiving isn’t just about the food—it’s about the people who make it possible. Students and partners come together along with the entire Tuck administration to create a memorable evening. Over the years, this shared effort has turned into a tradition that alumni remember fondly, and current students eagerly anticipate.
What started as a simple gathering has evolved into an event that reflects the diversity of the Tuck community. From traditional Thanksgiving dishes to international flavors, Tucksgiving embraces the cultural richness of the Tuck community, ensuring everyone feels included and celebrated.
Students and their loved ones gather in Stell Hall to celebrate the 10th annual Tucksgiving.
Tucksgiving Through the Years
Each year brings its highlights, and the tradition has expanded from Tuck-organized Tucksgiving to various Tuckies hosting their own “Friendsgiving” experiences, where they cook for classmates or organize intercultural potlucks.
“I remember my first Friendsgiving in 2022, a potluck style event organized by a few T’24s after taking inspiration from the grand Tucksgiving dinner in Stell. I cooked butter chicken pasta, a fusion dish combining Indian flavors with Italian ones, and it was loved by many. That one experience during my first few months at Tuck helped me bond with classmates over our shared culinary appreciation. Some of them became my closest friends, and even now, two years after that first Thanksgiving dinner and months after graduation, we remain close. Had it not been for the various Thanksgiving dinners that are hosted at Tuck, I would not have had the chance to make these connections that I will cherish for life.”—Alisha Beotra, T’24
“Helping plan Tucksgiving with the MBAPO was a definite highlight of my time at Tuck. It was the first time many of my classmates experienced Thanksgiving, so sharing its history and traditional foods in Stell Hall was such a memorable experience! It was also a great reminder of how tight-knit the Tuck community is—from Tucksgiving to Diwali to Veteran’s Day—if it’s important to one Tuckie, it’s important to the entire community, no matter the occasion”—Fatima Patel, Quality of Life Chair, T’24
Looking Ahead: Many More Tucksgivings to Come
As Tucksgiving enters its second decade, it remains a symbol of what makes Tuck extraordinary—a place where everyone feels at home, surrounded by a community that cares deeply for one another. With every passing year, this tradition continues to grow (with over 280 Tuck students and partners this year!), evolving with each cohort while staying true to its roots.
Here’s to many more years of food, friendship, and gratitude—and to the countless memories yet to be made around the table. Special thanks to Jen Tietz T’15 for planting the seeds of this cherished tradition, which continues to bring joy and belonging to the Tuck family.
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