Paczki sale table and the PSA executive board
The Xavierite
The Polish Student Association (PSA) hosted a paczki sale in Saint Xavier University (SXU)’s diner on Feb. 17, 2026.
The sale was organized by the club’s executive board and featured the Polish pastry commonly enjoyed in the days leading up to Lent, known as paczki. According to Anna Czernik, a junior and member of the association, the event is based in both culture and community.
“I think just growing up, we eat a lot of paczki,” Czernik said. “It’s tradition. We eat it before Lent and everything, so we just kind of do it. It’s fun selling paczki and sharing the culture.”
Paczki are traditionally eaten before Lent begins, a tradition where many Christians fast or give up sweets. The pastry is commonly associated with Fat Tuesday, when people indulge in rich foods before the start of the Lent season.
Ethan H., a senior and art major at SXU, said the display first caught his eye as he was passing through the diner.
“I was just walking by and saw them selling paczki. I didn’t know it was an event,” he said.
After stopping at the table, Ethan said he appreciated the opportunity to experience something new on campus.
“I think it’s really cool I can taste and see different cultures on campus,” he said, adding that the strawberry paczki was his favorite.
Paczki table The Xavierite
The paczki consisted of four flavors: strawberry, rosehip, raspberry, and cream. All of which sold for two dollars a piece.
“It’s really good. We sold a lot,” Czernik said. “I think we’re going to sell out early.”
Funds raised from the sale will go back to the Polish Student Association to support future goals. Czernik said the group hopes to eventually create merchandise and expand its presence on campus. The organization, which has around 50 members, is also encouraging more students to join.
“We want more people,” she said.
The paczki sale is a relatively new tradition for the group. Czernik said the current board began hosting the event two years ago and has continued using funds accumulated from previous years to help sustain it.
Beyond fundraising, Czernik emphasized the broader purpose of cultural events on campus.
“There’s many cultural people here,” she said, going on to explain how it’s helpful “to teach people about different cultures.”
The event provided sweet treats and an opportunity for cultural exchange and community building within the SXU community.