A Sweet Tradition on Campus
What began as a single gingerbread replica of a campus landmark has grown into a cherished holiday tradition at The University of Alabama, bringing together carpenters, Bama Dining staff and bakers to transform plywood, icing and candy into miniature campus icons.
Holiday Creations on Display
This year’s creations — gingerbread versions of Denny Chimes, the President’s Mansion and Rhoads Stadium — are on display at Lakeside Dining, where students pause to admire the details and, occasionally, sneak a candy or two. The Denny Chimes model stands more than 6 feet tall. The President’s Mansion measures about 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and the stadium spans 40 by 60 inches and weighs about 30 pounds.
Collaboration Behind the Scenes
The project relies on collaboration between Bama Dining and the University’s carpentry shop. Cabinetmaker Tony Frizzell said the team builds the wooden frames that serve as the foundation for each structure.
“We create the wooden frame, and the Bama Dining staff takes it from there, covering it with gingerbread and candy,” Frizzell said. “For buildings like stadiums, I start with the seating because M&Ms are used to represent people. That gives us a sense of how large everything else needs to be. From there, it’s a lot of cutting and sanding until the structure comes together.”
Decorating the Gingerbread Masterpieces
Once the frames are complete, Bama Dining staff take over, transforming the wooden structures into candy-covered masterpieces with buttercream, chocolate icing and just about any sweet that will stick. Jeanine Lott, who leads the decorating alongside her sister, Jeylessa, said her responsibilities range from organizing supplies to carefully placing every cookie and candy in its perfect spot.
“We start with the interior details — all the nooks and corners — and then work outward, using everything from Oreos and old-fashioned candies to Twizzlers,” Lott said. “It’s wonderful to work with someone I know so well, and we really know how to support each other to get the project done.”
Bama Dining Resident District Manager Bruce McVeagh praised the sisters for their dedication. “Jaleesa and Jeanine Lott have been incredible, and their enthusiasm makes the project enjoyable for everyone involved,” he said.
Bringing Holiday Cheer to Students
The President’s Mansion alone required two 35-pound buckets of buttercream and about 20 pounds of candy and cookies. Students often remove small candies from the displays, and staff replace them throughout the season. Lott said the project gives students something festive to enjoy, especially those who can’t go home for the holidays.
“These projects take weeks to plan — from ordering candy to building the structures and making sure they can be moved safely,” McVeagh said. “But seeing the reaction from students and Bama Dining staff makes it all worthwhile.”
A Festive Sendoff for the Semester
As finals wind down and students prepare to head home, the candy-covered landmarks offer a merry touch of Christmas spirit — and for Bama Dining staff, a creative, collaborative way to wrap up the semester.