A University of Richmond holiday tradition baked with love
Campus Life
This year marks the fifth installment of Tina Hallock’s beloved campus tradition of crafting gingerbread replicas of University of Richmond campus buildings. Hundreds of miles from campus, where her annual gingerbread creation is usually built and displayed, Hallock was determined to keep her holiday custom alive — even as she helped care for the newest member of the Hallock family, her first grandchild, Calvin, born in late October.
For 2025, she created the Queally Center for Admission and Career Services.
“This building holds a special role as a place of connection on our campus,” Hallock said. “It has welcomed future students on their first visits, connected our students with potential employers and launched their careers, celebrated alumni returning for their 50th reunion, and served as the venue for numerous signature events for both the campus and community. It stands as a true gathering space for our university.”
Hallock grew up baking alongside her mother — a professional baker. She has turned the annual project into a signature way of marking each holiday season at Richmond. In her first year on campus in 2021, she debuted a gingerbread version of Cannon Memorial Chapel. The next year she baked a rendition of Boatwright Memorial Library, then the Robins Center arena in 2023, featuring candy basketball hoops, WebstUR, and stands packed with fans. In 2024, she crafted the Carole Weinstein International Center.
Building the gingerbread structure from another state — and with a newborn around — added new complexity and charm. “The design process was essentially the same, but the execution was quite different,” Hallock said. “My home kitchen has all my supplies handy, and I kept discovering things I needed, so I’ve made many trips to the store. I’ve also never had a sweet baby around distracting me before.”
As always, she baked the gingerbread from scratch, then assembled the building using a festive mix of frosting, candies, cookies, and marshmallows. Hallock said she loved honoring Richmond from afar with her latest creation.
“Keeping up this special tradition has been a meaningful way to celebrate the campus and community I love so much,” said Hallock. “I have a piece of campus right here with me.”