As McKinley Lenehan stepped up to launch a pie at Prof. Rick Beauchamp, the vengeance in her eyes said it all.
"It was retribution a little bit, but more fun than anything. Just want to make sure Rick knew that I had it out for him," Lenehan joked.
She was part of a hoard of Protection, Security and Investigation and Police Foundations students who took part in the Pie the Professor event at St. Clair College on Oct. 7, 2026, as part of the annual United Way Week.
"Donating is what it's all about, but it's kind of a fun way to do it," she said. "And it gets the students involved, which is what we love."
One by one, and sometimes in groups, students stood about five paces from their favourite professor, student government leader or administrator, launching whipped cream pies with one goal in mind: a mug shot.
"Rick tends to always make little comments and always jabbing at me. So, this was for all those little remarks that he's made," Lenehan said with a smirk.
"It gave the students a good opportunity to get back at me for all the teasing I do in the classroom," Prof. Beauchamp confirmed. "I pick on every one of them, so it was their chance to get me back."
Beauchamp, a professor in Protection, Security and Investigation and Police Foundations, said supporting community organizations is part of the culture of those programs, so aside from settling grudges, the students ultimately came out to donate to a great cause.
"The United Way is obviously very active in our community. They've helped students who went through our programs, and I've given it to them for years," he said.
"This is just another way to do it."
In total, 13 professors and one administrator at Main Windsor Campus took the hot seat during the event.
Pie The Professor also took place at the Downtown Campus and at the Chatham Campus, where members of student government Thames Students Inc. (TSI) also got in on the fun.
"United Way Week is a great opportunity to bring our campus together for a meaningful cause. It shows how even small contributions can make a difference when our students, staff and faculty come together to support our community," said Kaitlynn Byrne, the President of TSI. "Giving back can be meaningful while still being fun. By creating engaging activities throughout the week, we're able to get students involved, build connections and show that everyone can contribute in their own way."
"TSI is proud to support United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent and the work they do in our community," Byrne added. "It's important to us that our students have opportunities to give back and be part of something that extends beyond our campus."
A total of nine faculty members and TSI representatives in Chatham took pies in the face as part of the event.
"It was such an incredible display of positivity and support from our students!" exclaimed Dr. Andrea Pepper, a professor in the School of Nursing. "Our small Chatham Campus truly has a big heart and an even bigger impact. I love being a part of this campus."
Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, applauded the efforts of students and staff for organizing a week of events at all campuses.
"We are continually inspired by the creativity, energy, and spirit of the staff and students at St. Clair College during Campaign Week," said Goddard. "Their enthusiasm demonstrates a true commitment to making a local impact."
"Every dollar raised at St. Clair College's Chatham Campus stays directly in Chatham-Kent, ensuring vulnerable youth and families in our community get the support and opportunities they need to thrive."
