In early 2021, Nicole Knoll and Katie Linder, digital marketing strategists at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, saw that National Pizza Day was coming up. On that day (Feb. 9), they posted a simple question to the alumni Facebook page: “Where was your favorite place to get pizza as a student?”

The unpaid post generated nearly 400 comments, with alumni connecting over forgotten pizza spots, engaging in friendly banter over the best slice, and sharing nostalgic memories of their college days in Iowa City.

“It shocked us—the response,” says Knoll, Senior Digital Marketing Strategist at the U.S. institution. “I just remember being surprised by the sheer volume—people were as passionate about pizza places as they were about sports teams.”