By Kyle Kittredge

Staff Writer

A chilly evening on the UNH campus was warmed up by the first-ever Cupcakes with Mark event, an evening consisting of different kinds of cupcakes, hot chocolate, milk, an open fire pit, and a chance for students to meet President Mark Huddleston in person.

The “U. of New Hampshire” Twitter page announced the event saying to “look for the cupcake trunk” at 8 p.m. this past Monday, outside the president’s house.

The driveway of the home was lit with electric lights, which had to be warmed up and turned on.

The lights got going just in time, along with the addition of a fire pit that students stood around to warm up some more.

“The fire pit was a great last- minute addition,” Huddleston said.

Huddleston wanted to simply “meet students,” and get to know them. 

Students started showing up at exactly 8 p.m. and more trickled in as time went on.

The atmosphere was comforting and open as students walked up the driveway to choose from different cupcakes, including chocolate and vanilla with frosting, red velvet with cream cheese icing, and gingerbread with cream cheese icing, all of which were free. 

They included a chocolate piece on top with the UNH logo. 

Huddleston went around introducing himself to students, shaking their hands, taking pictures with them and asking general questions such as, “how are the cupcakes, what is your year, major, where are you from, and where do you live now?” 

Students definitely liked the idea.

“I think its pretty cool, opening his home to the student public,” said senior Alicia Tardiff.

“I’ve never met him before, so it’s nice to,” said senior Taryn Flint.

“It’s nice to meet him and be here,” said freshman Maryanne Bowman.

“My brother told me I should go, so I’m glad I did,” she added.

“I saw this on Twitter and thought I should go,” said junior Mason Twombly, “and the cupcakes are really good.”

The cupcakes and beverages were delivered by UNH Conferences and Catering.

The cupcakes, as well as the hot chocolate and milk, were well received by students and others.

“They are really good,” said Bowman, “I’m happy about it.”

“I think this went really well,” said Gina Kemp, from UNH Conferences and Catering.

“The students seem to have really enjoyed it,” she added.

The event went well and had a good turnout with about 50 attendees over the course of the hour.