Here’s the scoop: tradition is a dish best served soft and creamy. Entries for this year’s “Senior Scoop” commemorative ice cream flavor have opened, as part of a sweet opportunity for seniors at the University of Connecticut to leave a lasting mark.
The UConn Dairy Bar and senior class committee annually sponsor two contests for students to create the scoop: one for the flavor and one for a creative name. After a selection of finalists, the winning combination is crowned the Senior Scoop, to be produced and sold by the Dairy Bar in the spring.
“The winning flavor stands as an edible tribute to Husky pride,” the submission form states.
This year’s flavor contest is now open. Prospective ice cream creators only have until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11 to submit their scoop-worthy ideas.
The submissions form, located on the senior class committee webpage, allows students to select a base ice cream flavor, a candy “mix-in” and a swirl. Over 6,000 combinations can potentially be crafted from the 19 base flavor choices, 29 mix-ins and 12 swirls — with options ranging from classic toppings to fruity tastes and chocolate indulgences.
Student scoop designers are also encouraged to enter multiple flavor ideas.
Submissions are open only to seniors. According to the organizing committee, underclassmen found participating will receive a “penalty of severe brain freeze.”
Last year’s winning scoop, “Bleed Blue, Cherry Too,” was cherry ice cream with dark chocolate flakes and a fudge swirl. The winning flavor combo was separately suggested by five students — a situation which isn’t uncommon, since the program draws hundreds of student submissions annually.
All the flavor creators and naming winners get their name added to the Senior Scoop plaques on the Dairy Bar’s “wall of fame” — plus Daily Campus coverage and “all the bragging rights,” according to the contest form.
“I knew it was a tradition at UConn and wanted to be a part of it. I honestly wasn’t expecting to win,” Kaley McCumiskey, co-winner of the 2024 contest, said at the time. “I do think it’s one of the best traditions we have, by far.”
That year’s winning flavor, black raspberry ice cream with Oreo cookie pieces and a fudge swirl, was eventually named “Basketball Capital of the Swirl’d” as part of the contest. Over the years, a number of flavors have enjoyed the Senior Scoop title, including “Hurley’s Almond Swirly,” “Charter Oats,” “Geno Oreomma,” and “Jonathan Java Crunch” among others.
It’s no wonder that the winning names often include references to UConn — living up to the “edible tribute” moniker. This year’s naming contest will begin following the flavor reveal, which traditionally happens in January.
“I think it’s a nice way to leave my mark on the school before graduating,” 2025 co-winner Robin Hunt told the Daily Campus when their flavor won. “I’m pretty happy about it personally.”
The Senior Scoop is made in smaller batches than the Dairy Bar’s regular menu flavors, and is advertised as “once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.” In previous years, stock barely lasted through commencement celebrations in May.
The annual program began in 2012 as part of an initiative to develop programs for seniors, thanks to the suggestion of then-UConn President and ice cream enthusiast Susan Herbst.
“I’m always creating new flavors in my head — I’m Ben and Jerry trapped in the body of a university president — and the Dairy Bar is such a central part of life at UConn,” she said in 2012. “I also think that it’s important for every [graduating] class to define themselves.”
The Senior Scoop contest isn’t the only way that students are involved with the Dairy Bar’s iconic frozen treats. The ice cream sold at the Dairy Bar storefront and truck is produced using milk from livestock at UConn Animal Science’s on-campus Kellogg Creamery. The milk is also used as part of student labs and research initiatives. Students learn the whole process as part of UConn’s dairy technology courses.
Often said to be one of the best ice cream spots in Connecticut and possibly even the world, the Dairy Bar is consistently winning awards and has been scooping since 1953. The scoop shop, located at 17 Manter Road on the UConn main campus in Storrs-Mansfield, is a must-visit.
Whether you have a new take on a classic favorite or a creative new idea, don’t miss this opportunity to submit your Senior Scoop flavor –– one that could very well become a part of Husky history. To enter your flavor, or for more information on the Senior Scoop tradition, visit seniors.uconn.edu.