Every class at UConn leaves a legacy. For the Class of 2012, their gift will be a Senior Scoop – an ice cream flavor chosen by them and created by the UConn Dairy Bar.

The Senior Scoop is the brainchild of President Susan Herbst. “I’m always creating new flavors in my head (I’m Ben & Jerry trapped in the body of a university president) and the Dairy Bar is such a central part of life at UConn,” she says. “I also think that it’s important for every class to define themselves. So having the seniors create their own ice cream flavor seemed like a great way to honor the Class of 2012.”

The UConn Dairy Bar has been whipping up delicious ice cream treats for generations of students since the 1950s. Many students remember their first trip to the UConn Dairy Bar, and return often to work their way through the array of flavors.

“The Dairy Bar is a part of UConn student life,” says Professor Steven Zinn, interim head of the animal science department, “so it makes sense that we would be involved with the Senior Scoop.”

Choosing from among the base flavors (chocolate, vanilla, coffee …) and dozens of mix-ins (nuts, sprinkles, cookies …), UConn seniors can design their own ice cream confection online at www.uconn.edu/seniorscoop now through Feb. 3. Five seniors will review the submissions and select three as finalist flavors for a tasting event. The Dairy Bar will hand make the finalist flavors and present them to the judges for rating at the Senior Scoop taste-off on Feb. 17 at 2 pm in the Student Union. After spoon-licking deliberation, the Senior Scoop winning combination and name will be announced. The Dairy Bar will then make the Senior Scoop available at events for seniors beginning this April.

“I like that we get to suggest our own flavor,” says UConn senior Ben Jerrild, a communications disorders major. The Dairy Bar ice cream is my favorite, so I’m sure no matter what flavor wins, I’m going to like it.”