Storm-Tested, Student-Focused: Sodexo’s Dining Teams Deliver

Nothing brings out the Spirit of Sodexo like events that significantly and unexpectedly impact our campuses. And this winter has provided plenty of opportunities for our teams to shine. Mother Nature’s visits to the Northeast have been fierce, with students, faculty and staff dealing with another record-breaking year of winter weather.  

Our on-site teams are integral to supporting students and providing a positive university dining experience, regardless and especially during challenging times. We know that students need to stay focused on their studies, not worrying about where their next warm meal is coming from.  

Fortunately, Sodexo teams have proven that they are dedicated to supporting our students and one another during trying times. And while Sodexo tries to show gratitude and appreciation for our staff every day, we are especially grateful for the level of commitment shown to their teams, our students and the communities they serve during a recent spate of significant weather events. 

Oneonta’s Snow Squad Keeps Campus Cozy & Well-Fed

While playing in the snow may sound like fun, it’s safe to say that experiencing a major winter storm during campus move-in weekend wasn’t what anyone would consider enjoyable.  

But the Oneonta Dining Services team arrived at work ready to serve their students as usual, despite the 12+ inches of snow and -20° temperatures that cancelled the first day of spring semester classes.  

Executive Chef Lynn Cross-Matteson, Resident Dining Cook Lisa Scherer, Resident Dining FSW Bridget McGuinness, Resident Dining FSW Avery Demarais, Resident Dining FSW Mylz Edwards and Resident Dining FSW Adam Egal worked together to manage the dining teams and ensure dining services upheld its standard of operational excellence. Many team members stayed on campus overnight to ensure no interruption in food service, despite the governor's campus closure.  

From helping to clear snow from the loading docks to quickly learning new menus and serving our students with a smile, it was truly a team effort to ensure that the dining hall was a place where our students felt comfortable weathering the storm.

Three Cheers for the SUNY New Paltz Sleepover Squad!

Robin Keehner, General Manager of SUNY New Paltz Dining Services, arranged to have comfy dorm suites ready for staff who stayed overnight to ensure that students received exceptional dining services in spite of the 13+ inches of snow that shut down the rest of the campus. Some of the committed overnight campers included Adam Ross, Josh Bettencourt, Julian Garcia and Walter Caradon, and we are so grateful for their dedication to their students and fellow team members. 

SUNY Delhi Dining Brings Warmth to Wintry Campus

And since few places in upstate New York were spared winter’s wrath, our incredible team at SUNY Delhi faced similar obstacles as they quickly pivoted to provide delicious dining services when the campus was blanketed in 16+ inches of snow.

Tracey Stefanelli served as the principal contact for the dining services team and attended every campus emergency response meeting to keep the lines of communication open between campus operations and the dining staff. Tracey’s work allowed the team to adjust operations accordingly and ensure safe, reliable and easy access to the hearty meals students needed on those snowy days.

April Murphy, Jeremy Carden, Joe Kinch and Stephen Carnicelli — who normally work in a different dining facility — stepped up with a positive attitude and strong team mindset to learn new menus, new processes and provide our students with great meals despite the challenging conditions. Holly Biggs arrived on campus at 5 a.m. to make sure she was ready to help orient her new teammates and keep things running smoothly. Executive Chef Michael Stamets and Operations Manager Mike Fitzpatrick slept in their offices to ensure they were on-site to manage the teams and prepare for the long days ahead.

Because of this extraordinary commitment to their campus, the entire dining services crew received positive feedback and many kudos from the students.

Team Sodexo — Showing Up When It Matters Most

In addition to my admiration and gratitude, it’s comforting to know that when the elements throw us a curveball, and so many things are out of our control, Sodexo can always count on our positive, motivated dining teams to do what they do best — serve, support and shine.