IBiS/MBS Spring Break Happy Hours

Transitioning out of the pandemic, the Department of Molecular Biosciences started lab-hosted Happy Hours once a month to rebuild a sense of community. Labs tried to have fun with it by having themes for their events. The Lane and Petersen Labs ended up having their happy hour in March, so an obvious theme was Spring Break. Our Spring Break Happy Hour was such a hit we decided to make it a yearly tradition! In the second year, Jell-O shots were introduced and have become a staple. Careful though, they’ll sneak up on you.

2024: Flippy Cup Tournament

The Petersen Lab wanted redemption, so the Painkiller made a return to this year’s drink rotation. A valiant effort was made, but the Jell-O shots were mainly what people were here for. We faced off against the Petersen Lab in flippy cup. Dakshya ended up being an expert at flipping that cup, and we defeated the Petersen Lab with time to spare.

2023: Jell-O Shots

After last year’s cocktail fiasco, we decided to keep it simple: Jell-O shots and a knock-off Paloma (a staple in Gloria’s world). The Jell-O shots were a HUGE hit, and most people had at least one. People were able to play corn hole, which gave the event a more authentic party feel. Everyone walked carefully away looking forward to next year’s event.

2022: Inaugural Spring Break Happy Hour

The first-ever Spring Break Happy Hour had a hot and cold theme for the Chicago winter we were experiencing and the tropical climate we wished we were in. The labs decided to each make a signature drink: the Petersen Lab made a Painkiller, and we made a Moscow Mule. Our Moscow Mule was a hit, but the Painkiller suffered from execution issues. Nonetheless, this event was a success and the start of a beautiful tradition.