Slicing through barriers with a DIY pizza night

David Saylor • March 19, 2024

In a collaborative event spearheaded by Libby Kate Vaughn ’21, the Knox County Autism Foundation and Union partnered to host a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Pizza Night on March 14th, fittingly coinciding with Pi Day. With the help of parents, Union Dining staff, Vaughn and others, the children in attendance followed the whole pizza-making process from start to finish.

They each crafted their own pizza pie masterpieces, from rolling out dough and adding sauce to placing toppings and baking pizzas. The highlight of the event, however, was not the pizzas themselves but rather the joyful smiles of the children as they made precious new memories.

Libby Kate Vaughn hugs a child attendee while other children are flattening dough with Union Dining staff behind them.

Beyond just making memories, though, this event provided a significant chance for children with autism and their families to take part in a community activity within a supportive and accepting setting. The involvement of parents and staff made the experience memorable and highlighted the value of community and inclusiveness. Such events are vital in removing obstacles and creating a sense of inclusion for families touched by autism.

[PHOTO: Vaughn hugs a participant while others make pizzas in the background/All photos by David Cody Saylor]

According to Vaughn, a founding board member and current social media chair for the foundation, the Knox County Autism Foundation's mission is “to partner with local leaders, organizations, and area schools to create educational opportunities and success for individuals with autism, while fostering support and engagement of their families.”

“By helping our community to become autism-friendly, we can interconnect resources to increase public awareness as well as contribute to an enhanced quality of life, assisting these individuals as they learn, grow and thrive right here in their hometown,” she says.

As part of the community, it is not just a desire but rather a commitment that Union makes, promoting service as a civic responsibility.

James Becknell shares a slice of pizza with a child attendee while Libby Kate Vaughn, a member of the Union Dining staff, and a parent gather around.

“We were thrilled to team up with the Knox County Autism Foundation for this event, and we're eager to see where it takes us to collaborate with other community organizations,” says James Becknell, Dean of Students and Union alum. “We remain committed to strengthening our partnerships within our community to enhance the well-being of our local area further.”

[PHOTO: Becknell and a participant share a slice]

Vaughn, a Union alumna, exemplifies the university’s values through her dedication to the Autism Foundation's mission. Her initiatives, including educational sessions for parents and community members and sensory-friendly movie nights, reflect her commitment.

Leading up to National Autism Acceptance Month in April, events like the DIY Pizza Night help set the stage for larger events like the well-known “Aumazing Race” 5K and Autism Awareness Nights with the Knox Central Baseball team. As April approaches, new opportunities for community education about autism emerge alongside new ways for people to engage and contribute.

“We encourage anyone who wants to support or get involved to join us on April 9th for the Autism Awareness Baseball Game in partnership with Knox Central High School or at our ‘Aumazing Race’ 5K on April 28th. For the latest updates on our events, follow us on our Facebook page,” says Vaughn.

James Becknell and Libby Kate Vaughn sit with child attendees at a table filled with plates of pizza.

Three kids smiling in Union's kitchen wearing Union Dining hats and aprons.

Two kids smiling and holding a decorated paper pizza.

Three kids wearing Union Dining hats and aprons work on decorative paper pizzas.

A child attendee and a parent smile holding a decorated paper pizza.

Libby Kate Vaughn and a child attendee smile with a pizza seated at a table corner.

Four parent attendees smiling in Union's kitchen.

Libby Kate Vaughn, James Becknell, Union Dining staff, and all attendees gathered together by the Minton Dining Hall sign.

Tri-fold board display labeled Putting the Pieces Together for Knox County, which outlines information about autism.

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