It may be difficult to get 12 strangers together and have them leave as friends, but add food and that idea becomes more feasible.
The idea behind Dinner for 12 Strangers is to put random members of the University community together in an informal setting to make UNM seem a little smaller and friendlier, said Sue MacEachen, program coordinator. People can come together as strangers and leave as amigos, she said.
MacEachen has been working to implement the program at UNM after seeing the success of similar programs at colleges and universities across the country. She said she hopes the program will turn into a great cycle where students will eventually play host to the dinners as alumni.
"The beauty of it is walking in and knowing you will make 11 new friends," said Jennifer Riordan, a UNM Alumni Association board member. "This in itself makes it a relaxing atmosphere."
UNM alumni are invited to play host for other UNM alumni, faculty and staff members, keeping the dietary needs of participants in mind, Riordan said. The UNM Alumni Association is using this semester as a jumping point to predict future success of the program.
With a Mardi Gras theme, the first dinner, held Feb. 22, was organized by MacEachen and Riordan and brought 12 strangers together to feast on Cajun-style cooking.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Last Sunday another dinner was held which brought together nine University community members who left bashfulness at the door to have good conversation and good food, said Coleman Travelstead, president-elect of the association.
"I loved the interaction with professors outside an academic environment," said Jonathan Weaver, a UNM junior who attended the inaugural dinner. "The professors and faculty seemed much more relaxed and comfortable, so it was really easy to have great conversation with them."
There have been three dinners planned so far this year with the goal being six per semester. With a tremendous response from faculty, staff and alumni, there is also a possibility of alumni sponsoring dinners in other cities, as two UNM alumni from Dallas have expressed interest, Riordan said.
Although it would be hard to coordinate the events at locations around the country, MacEachen said if she could find a way to get students there, the combination would suit her just fine.
MacEachen said she tries to avoid combining people from similar fields because the conversations tend to go in one direction.
"I really want to cross all kinds of people and get a good mix of everybody," she said.
Anybody who wants to attend can contact MacEachen at smac14@unm.edu for registration details. The dinner times are based on availability, dates and hosts' interests. There is a two to three hour commitment to mix and mingle, but participants can stay as long as they like, Riordan said.
"I think it will bring together faculty, staff, students and alumni to discuss what they do for the University community, their roles and what their passions are for the University," she said. "It is a great opportunity to meet people you would not normally meet."
