UVM President Wakes Up Student in Dorm Prank

A student requested the wake-up call via email, leading the university president to visit a campus dormitory room.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in College Life

UVM President Wakes Up Student in Dorm Prank

University of Vermont President Marlene Tromp surprised a student by entering their dorm room to wake them up for class. The lighthearted moment occurred after student Serena LoScalzo emailed the president to request assistance with early morning attendance.

Why it matters

The surprise visit highlights a unique and approachable rapport between the university administration and its students at the Burlington campus. This interactive dynamic has fostered a trend of admiration, including students dressing up as the president for Halloween.

President Marlene Tromp responded to the request email within 12 hours of receiving it. The viral video documenting the event has now reached over 500,000 views on social media.

The players

Marlene Tromp

Marlene Tromp is the current president of the University of Vermont.

Serena LoScalzo

Serena LoScalzo is the student who organized the dorm room wake-up call request.

The details

Marlene Tromp personally entered the residence hall room to wake the student and even brought along UVM-themed bagels and an alarm clock. The stunt was organized by student Serena LoScalzo, continuing a recent trend of student interest in the university president.

Four students dressed as Marlene Tromp for Halloween 2025.
The video was posted to social media on October 14, 2026.

Culture Shift

This viral interaction highlights a growing trend of students engaging with university leadership through informal and creative social media channels. It reflects a broader cultural shift where institutional figures are increasingly integrated into student-led campus trends.

Students at the University of Vermont may feel more encouraged to engage with faculty and leadership in unconventional ways. The event reinforces the accessibility of campus figures, potentially influencing how future student events are planned and executed.

The takeaway

The event serves as a reminder of the impact that accessible leadership can have on campus morale. Students interested in building community may find that direct, respectful outreach to administration can yield surprising and positive results.