The Bites & Sights of Wolffest 

Program benefactor and supporter Cyvia Wolff was out enjoying the sunshine and cheering on the students.

“I come out every year,” she said. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. They’ve done something so different, and I think that’s what’s so exciting."

For some of the attendees, it was their first time experiencing the grandness of Wolffest. With so many vendors to choose from and a bouquet of smells coming from all around, it might be hard to know what to try first.   

Not for UH freshman Demi Cache Nicholas, however, whose attention was caught almost immediately by the enticing flavors coming from the Thai booth led by student team Wolffstock.  

“I like the vibes and how everyone has their tents set up,” she said. “I’ll definitely be coming back to support more of the businesses here in the future.”  

It was UH sophomore Jackson Licon’s second time attending Wolffest. He said he enjoyed the good vibes everyone brought and the free gifts vendors were handing out.  

“The food is great, and the community is awesome,” he said.  

Throughout the week, Wolff students weren’t just the organizers; they were putting in the work behind the grill.

Toward the entrance of the festival, the smell of savory aromatics filled the air as Wolff Center senior Adam Jhaver rolled up his sleeves and started sautéing onions. 

This year was Jhaver’s fourth Wolffest. His team all obtained their food handler certificates to operate the Burger Bodega stand, cooking smash burgers for H-Toon. Acknowledging the preparations he and his classmates took to bring Wolffest together, Jhaver said he already is feeling nostalgic. 

“Even though we’re not all on the same team and technically are in competition, they're like my best friends and I love them to death,” he said. “I'm super proud of everyone and what we came up with. Wolffest is a very rigorous project, and we all should be proud of ourselves.” 

Representing Wolff Summit was Wolff Center junior Ansley Brown, who could be found walking across the lawn passing out free tote bags full of goodies.  

This was Brown’s first year to participate in Wolffest as a member of WCE, but she had served as a team volunteer her freshman and sophomore years. Although there was the added pressure to see her team win, she said it was fun to be on the other side and return the same kindness Wolff students showed her when she was a volunteer.  

“I think running a food business is one of the hardest businesses you can run,” Brown said. “That’s one of the reasons we do Wolffest. If you can do this, you can do anything.”  

Junior Dylann Hearn is also in her first year of the program. While zipping around the festival grounds, Hearn said she appreciated the positive energy of the campus coming together. 

Despite knowing what to expect from her previous volunteer experience, she said learning how to manage the paperwork and logistics was the biggest lesson she gained from Wolffest. 

“Learning to be compliant with the fire marshal and making sure that everything is up to standard and code was the most difficult part,” Hearn said. “That's what being an entrepreneur is. If we were to just put vendors out there, it would be easy. Instead, we've been preparing permits, safety protocols and marketing for months.” 

Wolff Center senior Isabella Mixon experienced a full circle moment as she capped off her Wolffest experience, returning this year with her brand Isa Matcha. 

In the past, Mixon has volunteered, served drinks under her previous brand Morning Call Coffee and participated as a student in the program. 

As she reflects on her journey, she gives advice to the new cohort starting at the Wolff Center: “If you have a vision or a dream, just go for it,” Mixon said. “Don’t let anything hold you back.” 

Funds generated from Wolffest go toward scholarships for next year’s Wolff Center class, as well as fund student retreats, trips and graduation.