President Bill Perry took on a new position Sunday night: banana slicer.

Perry, alongside several other members of the administration, took part in the Finals Feast, which offered students free food served to them by faculty and administration members.

Perry said he enjoys participating in events like this that offer members of the schools’ administration a chance to interact directly with students because of the fun they offer everyone involved.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said.

Perry said he thought the event was fun because it gave him the chance to not only speak with students but also let him feel almost like a student again.

“One of the great things about working at a university is that energy students have about them,” he said. “And sometimes some of that energy rubs off on you and it inspires you to do your best.”

Some students stood in line outside of the Taylor dining center for more than 20 minutes to be served bananas, or “brain food” as Perry called, by faculty members, though, for some, the draw of the event was the free food and the break from finals preparation it offered.

Senior elementary education major Jim Sinisi was one of the students.

Sinsi said he thought the event was a way to kick off finals and get away from the quiet, studious atmosphere of the residence halls.

“It’s a good chance to take a break from studying and get some free food,” he said.

Though he was drawn by the free food, Sinisi said he thought it was a good idea for administrators to interact with the students they watch over.

Dan Nadler, vice president for student affairs, said this interaction is the most important aspect of events like these.

He said the Finals Feast is an event he looks forward to every semester because it is the last chance to speak directly to students.

“This is one of the last opportunities we have to wish everyone well,” Nadler said.

Mark Hudson, director of housing and dining, said this is the fifth Finals Feast he has overseen and said everyone has been successful because of the student and faculty involvement.

“They just have fun interacting with each a little bit,” he said. “And they’re here to consume a little food.”

Hudson said the theme of the events was “M&M’s: Minis and Munchies” which was why the menu for the night included various “mini” foods.

He said previous feasts had about 1,000 students attend and said many of the students who come are drawn to the event by the free food.

“What could be better than free food?” he said.