Chicken soup is good for the soul. Apparently, it’s also good to eat after a hunger strike.

That is the first thing Dezso Benedek said he ate after his hunger strike ended Thursday afternoon, concluding a three-day stand-off between him and the University.

Benedek, director of Asian languages, began his protest against the administration Monday for rejecting transfer credits from his students participating in the Huangshan study abroad program.

“It should never have come to this,” Benedek said. “I hope in the future it doesn’t happen again.”

Benedek said he sent a letter to the administration Thursday morning requesting an opportunity to meet and discuss the situation. At the meeting, he said the administration agreed to let Benedek escort Arnett Mace, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, to China next semester to personally inspect the program.

As of press time, messages left for Mace had not been returned.

“There was a collective willingness to end this circus and work on something constructive,” Benedek said. “I will arrange for the president of Huangshan University and the mayor of the city to meet (Mace).”

Benedek apologized for publicly questioning the integrity of the administration. He said it was regrettable, but he was only looking out for the best interest of his students.

“I do apologize for saying these harsh things,” Benedek said. “I’m not a hunger strike freak, but I’ll go hungry to protect my students.”

Benedek, who has Type II diabetes, said he received support from his students during the hunger strike.

During his first night on a bench outside Old College, Benedek said some students came and placed blankets over him. He said about a dozen students camped out with him Wednesday night.

Will Hancock, a senior from Nashville, Tenn., stayed by his professor’s side throughout the entire ordeal. He said he personally was offended that Benedek was having a hard time getting his program approved.

“I was definitely psyched,” said Hancock, referring to the agreement between Benedek and the administration. “Psyched because I could eat again, but more psyched that it all worked out.”

After more than 75 hours without food, Hancock said he went home and had a victory oatmeal cookie.