For some college students, free food can be a powerful incentive to do almost anything, including study.

The ninth annual Saluki Finals Finish, which was sponsored by every college in the university, began Sunday with faculty and other volunteers distributing sub sandwiches to hungry students from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Student Recreation Center. The event will continue with pizza and tacos on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

Andrew Wood, a professor of plant biology, said it was his first year volunteering as a server.

He said the event was important because it helps students remain calm during a demanding time.

“For finals, it’s important to be relaxed,” Wood said. “Being stressed is not a good way to study.”

Paul Wood, Andrew’s 10-year-old son, helped him distribute sandwiches to hungry students.

Paul Wood said he came with his father because he knows how important it is to get good nutrition before a test.

“We’re making these subs so the students can go study harder,” Paul Wood said.

He added that he performs better in his hardest subject, social studies, when he eats well.

Brian Hickman said he was exercising when he noticed signs advertising the free food.

Hickman, a sophomore from Chicago studying business, said he expected all of his final exams to be very difficult, and sandwiches help his concentration.

“Of course the food helps,” Hickman said. “You can’t study on an empty stomach.”

Paul Sarvela, dean of the College of Applied Sciences and Arts, said he had been volunteering as a server for the past four or five years.

Sarvela said even though it was cold and raining, students show up to receive the free food because the event always has a good turnout.

He said his three steps to acing finals including eating good food, sleeping well and, of course, studying.

Allison Petty can be reached at

536-3311 ext. 259 or

[email protected].