Pomona students don’t fudge when it comes to academics, but once a year they are quite willing to put down their books for a pre-finals frenzy of chocolate consumption.

Known as “Death by Chocolate,’’ this decadent December ritual begins with a line of eager students outside Edmunds Ballroom, where chocolate awaits in all its glorious forms.

One can't deny the allure of a bubbling vat of chocolate.

As the doors swing open, students descend on a Willie Wonkaesque wonderland with truffles and brownies and slices of cake piled on platters. You might find yourself looking around for Oompa Loompas.

Students line up for their turn at the fondue pot.

Strawberries and melon slices appear to be a nod to the health conscious, until you watch the fruit drowned in ladle full after ladle full of chocolate fondue. This year’s event served up 100 pounds of that chocolate fondue.

First-timers are in awe. Veterans come prepared. Carey McDonald ’07 was first in line this year. He knew to avert his gaze from the chocolate fountain and head straight for the tables in back where items such as truffles and See’s Candy await. Those treats go fast, he explains, while the fountain’s supply is seemingly endless.

“I really can’t imagine Pomona life without Death by Chocolate,” says McDonald.

The first Death by Chocolate event was part of the celebration of the College’s Centennial in 1987. The concept later was picked up by Pomona’s Public Events Committee and evolved into an annual ritual held just before finals. “It’s exactly what I needed after writing two term papers last night,” says Alysia Bosworth ’07.