Susan Hinsperger, supervisor

University of Mary/Chartwells, Bismarck, N.D.

Nominator: Teresa Neff, nutrition manager/registered dietitian, Chartwells-University of Mary

“Susan has stepped up tremendously the past year in light of staffing shortages. She continues to perform her current duties as an office supervisor making sure inventory, payroll and countless items are completed each week as well as running our retail location across campus when we did not have an employee to staff it. In addition, we have been without a catering director or manager since November of 2022 and Susan has taken on this role working countless hours with days starting at 6 a.m. and ending at midnight or later and weeks that required her to be on campus for a catering event Sunday-Saturday. Susan has taken on these duties with a smile on her face and a wonderful passion for ensuring that our client's needs are met. She is an everyday hero at work and is involved in the community outside of work making sure she is always helping others or giving back when she can. One thing is for sure: our operation could not run without her support and infectious positive attitude! Thank You Susan for all that you do!”

Christy Holt, evening supervisor

Angelo Dining/Chartwells Higher Ed, Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas

Nominator: Wayne Hanusch, director of retail, Angelo Dining/Chartwells Higher Ed

“Christy Holt started with Chartwells Higher Ed as a temporary worker who worked into a permanent position with us. Christy started in Subway and proved to be an extremely valuable asset to the team. She then took over evening responsibilities at Chick-fil-A. Christy’s hard work and determination led us to promote her to an evening supervisor where she has never missed a beat always asking questions and training the student workers. She has worked several long weeks filling in where needed. Christy has an amazing work ethic. As she learns new tasks, policies or procedures, she keeps a little notepad and writes everything down. Her enthusiasm to learn is admirable. If you stand back and watch, you can see Christy leading by example and right in with her team helping to get the tasks completed efficiently. Christy has a wonderful future ahead of her.”

Ericka Lee, kitchen supervisor 

Lamar University/Chartwells Higher Education, Beaumont, Texas 

Nominator: Jacquelyn King, sous chef, Chartwells Higher Education 

“She has been working 12-hour shifts to make sure our campus has the best food. Most of the time she is by herself preparing the menus for different organizations throughout the campus. She is awesome and her food is just as awesome!!!”

Katelyn Lunsford, supervisor

The University of Texas at Arlington/Chartwells Higher Ed

Nominator: Megan Hein, marketing manager, Chartwells Higher Ed

“Katelyn joined our team in October 2022 as the culinarian for a new internal retail concept, and since then, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, innovative thinking, and a strong work ethic. Katelyn's dedication to excellence gives her the ability to now oversee multiple culinary projects, including back of house for one of our dining halls, with ease. She is an invaluable asset to our team.”

Katelin Money, supervisor

Schreiner University/Aramark, Kerrville, Texas

Nominator: Erica Marciscano, marketing coordinator, Aramark

“Katelin is a Supervisor for 1923 at the Lion’s Den. Her attention to detail has transformed 1923 into a must-eat lunch spot. Katelin makes it a point to speak with students about their preferences in the menu and grab and go items to be sure we are offering what students want. Katelin is responsible for consistently maintaining the quality of food including made to order hand-breaded chicken tenders, burgers, deli sandwiches and wraps.”

Julian Morello, supervisor-residential dining hall

Purchase (N.Y.) College/Chartwells Higher Education

Nominator: Shawn Carvajal, resident district manager, Chartwells Higher Education

“Julian has been an asset to our dining team and campus community for over eight years. He supported the campus community through our Covid semesters helping create memorable experiences on campus for our students who could not travel home during that hard time. Today Julian continues to create memorable experiences in our dining halls and across the campus community. 

Our students look forward to seeing him in the dining hall. Our student workers who work alongside him are his biggest fans and ‘love working their shifts when Julian is there.’ Julian is more than a supervisor to our students and our student workers, he is a familiar and friendly face that is always there to listen and hear them out.”

Miguel Olvera, production supervisor

Commons Dining Hall, Texas State University/Chartwells Higher Education, San Marcos, Texas

Nominator: Chin-Hong Chua, resident district manager for Chartwells Higher Education

at Texas State University

“We do not know what we missed until Miguel Olvera joined our culinary team in the dining hall in 2019. He is very organized in the kitchen, and he has a clear vision of what the food should look and taste like when served on the buffet line. It not only fills the hungry students, but also his approaches with the guests make everyone smile. Miguel is passionate in teaching others to take pride in their food and do things right for the guests at all times. Miguel does volunteer work in his spare time within the community and worked in the kitchen of cruise ship in summer. He is kind, smart, helpful and resilient.” 

Valerie Pappas, operations supervisor

Lackawanna College/Metz Culinary Management, Scranton, Pa.

Nominator: Brandon Kromko, general manager, Metz Culinary Management

“Valerie is the type of person who puts anyone else first in their needs before her own. The way she takes care of our guests who have special needs or dietary restrictions is next to none. Everyone on campus knows who she is and what she is all about. Valerie is one of the greatest members of my team at Lackawanna College.”

Javonte Pelican, food service supervisor 

Sam Houston State University Dining/Aramark, Huntsville, Texas 

Nominator: Laurel Stevens, marketing manager, Sam Houston State Dining/Aramark 

“It's clear that Javonte has been an integral part of our operations success and growth. His 12 years of experience and ability to rise through the ranks is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Javonte was able to learn and excel in multiple culinary positions, including being a lead at Panda Express during its start-up phase.

His willingness to train and mentor others is a great sign of leadership and teamwork. It's essential to have team members like Javonte who can pass on their knowledge and skills to the next generation.

Javonte’s dedication and involvement in launching SHSU virtual dining concepts while also learning the concessions operations showcases his versatility and adaptability to new challenges. Javonte is a valuable member of our team and a great role model for others to follow. We are lucky to have him as part of the team.”

Melanie Plummer, food service supervisor

Freshens Fresh Food Studio/Aramark

Nominator: Nikki Rutherford, retail brand location manager, Aramark

“Melanie consistently impresses us by going above and beyond all expectations laid before her. She treats each and every customer like family, manages the locations as if it were her own, and continues to improve not only the location she works in, but also the lives of the people around her. Generous, humble, and the definition of ‘good vibes’. We are lucky to have her as part of our team, and the student body is grateful to be served by her.”

Jo Pruett, supervisor

University of Central Arkansas Campus Dining/Aramark, Conway, Ark.

Nominator: Auntreana Wade, marketing coordinator, Aramark

“Miss Jo welcomes students, guests, faculty, and staff to the cafeteria Monday through Friday with a smile. Assisting everyone with their day-to-day tasks. These are just a few things Miss Jo does for our customers daily. Miss Jo's contribution to the cafeteria is invaluable, we consider her a staple here at UCA. She is the heart of the cafeteria, creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.” 

Yadira Rocha, supervisor

Chick-fil-A, University of Texas at San Antonio/Aramark

Nominee's Place of Work

Nominator: Taylor Cavazos, marketing manager, Aramark at University of Texas at San Antonio

“Yadira Rocha is known for her exceptional communication skills and attentiveness to the needs of her employees. Her bright, lighthearted personality creates an approachable and friendly environment for her staff members she supervises. Yadira finds it important for her staff members to feel comfortable raising concerns or questions about the restaurant or staff dynamics. Additionally, Yadira’s ability to be assertive in stressful or demanding situations renders effective and swift problem-solving skills. Customers and staff alike view Yadira as a memorable supervisor who is devoted to improving company culture, work environment, and quality of service.” 

Jennifer Santiago, front of house supervisor

Franklin & Marshall College Dining Hall/Sodexo, Lancaster, Pa.

Nominator: Jilly Harris, resident dining & marketing manager, Sodexo

“We had a medical incident with a student during a busy dinner service. After the student's friend alerted me to the incident, I remained with the students while Jennifer ensured that the campus public safety was informed and led to our student. To further help keep the incident from getting out of hand, she had another staff member who she supervises oversee the register before going to the back of the house where our loading dock is located to wait for the ambulance and paramedics to arrive. Once they arrived, she led them through the kitchen and made a clear path through the busy service time to get the paramedics and their equipment to the student quickly.

While they were seeing the student, Jennifer made sure to keep other students away while still getting their food and making sure that the staff continued as if nothing was happening. While doing this, she also helped to maintain the student's dignity and privacy as much as possible as the paramedics assisted the student by remaining calm throughout before leading the paramedics back out of the dining hall and through the kitchen to where the ambulance was waiting. Jennifer did a fantastic job in maintaining her own calm and level-headed demeanor while this event was occurring, resulting in the student receiving the necessary medical attention quickly and without creating unnecessary chaos in the dining hall from the other students, or even the employees, many of whom had no idea anything had happened thanks to Jennifer's actions.”

Ryan Skagen, supervisor

The University of Texas at Arlington/Chartwells Higher Ed

Nominator: Megan Hein, marketing manager, Chartwells Higher Ed

“Ryan has been a reliable and optimistic team member since day one, handling even the most stressful situations with grace and composure. He started as a residential cook and has continuously shown a drive to learn and grow, resulting in his current position as a back of house supervisor. Ryan's ability to teach new hires, especially students, is exceptional, and he is always willing to lend a hand whenever needed. Ryan's dedication, work ethic, and positive attitude make him an invaluable asset to our team and a deserving candidate for this recognition.”

Chip Snyder, supervisor

Lehigh University/Sodexo, Bethlehem, Pa.

Nominator: Evan Rehrig, marketing manager, Sodexo

“Chip has been a member of our team at Lehigh University for eight years in a supervisor role and has had to adapted to many on-campus changes. And, each time, he's done it with a smile on his face. Chip is a ‘go-to guy.’ No matter what the task is, no matter how big or how small, Chip gets it done with a smile on his face. Most recently, Chip was relocated to a new food court due to a major renovation. He's quickly acclimated himself to the new location and has made connections with students who are also adapting to new dining patterns. His familiar face and genuine approach has helped to ease the burden for students. Despite some unforeseen bumps in the road, Chip smiles and uses his customer-first mentality to ensure students are enjoying a great dining experience. During major event weekends (commencement, reunion, etc.) you'll find Chip in a black catering polo, helping our catering team. Whether he's draping linens on tables, tending bar or serving tables, he does it with a smile on his face. And, if you just so happen to catch him at the right time, he'll tell you one of his signature ‘dad jokes.’ And then another. Chip is reliable, dependable, sincere and one of those teammates you wish you could clone over and over again.” 

William Ten Eyck, supervisor

Roscoe's Den, Angelo State University/Chartwells Higher Ed, San Angelo, Texas

Nominator: Mary Snipes, director of residential dining, Angelo Dining/Chartwells Higher Ed

“Courteous, dedicated, dependable, driven and a hard worker are a few words that come to mind about William ‘Bill’ Ten Eyck. Bill has fulfilled many rolls with us at Chartwells Higher Ed, but most recently was promoted to Supervisor of Roscoe's Den, Angelo State University’s famous retail grill location. He is motivated and self-driven. He has organized and taken real ownership of the business. He is developing a Roscoe’s Den guide in a binder to help all his staff know the ins and outs of the location. He has taken over inventory, controlled food waste and has executed proper training on portion control to his staff. He is a natural leader and has stated that he wants Roscoe’s Den to excel at the basics and develop a standardized operating system, and once that is done, he has a lot of wonderful ideas on how to improve the atmosphere, revenue and overall dining experience in Roscoe’s Den. He is a great asset to the Roscoe's Den team.” 

Brenda Tucker, food service supervisor

Chivers Dining Hall, Morehouse College/Aramark, Atlanta

Nominator: Charles Fleming, general manager, Aramark 

“Makes a personal connection with each and every guest and goes out of her way to make sure that they are taken care of.”

James Wilkes, food service supervisor

University of Pittsburgh/Chartwells Higher Ed

Nominator: Ben Swonger, dining director, Chartwells Higher Ed

“Jimmy is a hard working individual who knows how to get the job done quickly and efficiently. He works well as part of a team and can function as a leader when required. He has always exhibited superior communication skills and gets along well with the staff and supervisors. He is highly respected by colleagues, customers and management. 

The best example I can give of how important and counted on Jimmy is within our operations only takes me back one day. Yesterday at 6 a.m. I received a call from the weekend production cook that they were calling out for the day; this particular situation would cripple the entire days operation because they are responsible for preparing all the food for the day. I thought I was going to be jumping in my car and racing to the Pete to cook rice and meats, but I thought maybe Jimmy would be around? So I started my call in list knowing at 6:14 a.m. on a SUNDAY no one would answer until I got to his name. Sure enough… Jimmy answered the call and while he did have plans for the day agreed to come in and get all the production done because he knew the gravity of the situation and did not want me to fail. He was in the shop within an hour and the restaurant opened on time with all the necessary food prepared and ready. James Wilkes is my Hero behind the Plate.”

Nicholas Zilinski, food service supervisor

Elon (N.C.) University/Harvest Table Culinary Group (Aramark)

Nominator: Seressa Carter, human resources, Aramark

“Nicholas can adapt to any situation, from food and mail delivery, and concessions; he can do it all. Whatever you need complete he will deliver.”