Good Bye Seniors, Hello Summer
This is the last week of exams, and I just got back from Chicago yesterday after attending the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Show (NRA) – more on that later. I really did not want to go, as I planned to say good bye at the DCs to as many seniors as possible. These are students who have been on the meal plan for the past four years and we really do appreciate their business. I always wondered how many seniors are still on the meal plan. To my surprise, there are over 3000 of them according to the data I received last week. I was so thrilled with the information (since seniors are not required to have a meal plan) that I ran to my boss’s office and told him that we need to do something.
We decided to invite the seniors to join us for a group photo session at each DC and to give each of them a gym bag and an “I Love the DC” tee shirt. We quickly came up with a flier and posted it at all DCs. When Chris and I arrived in Worcester for the photo section, we do not know how many people would actually show up for the photo with finals right around the corner. We waited and waited, finally five seniors showed up and had their picture taken. Three of them told us they were friends since freshman days and enjoyed being on the meal plan for the convenience and variety of food.
Next stop, we were at Franklin, where over 30 students were waiting patiently for us. We quickly took the photos and gave out the gifts. Several of the students were so proud to hold up the gym bags and told me they will miss the DCs. I told them they are welcome to come back and have a meal on us.
At Southwest, with the Spring Fling BBQ underway, a group of 50 seniors were gathered in a spirit of fun, for the photo.
When I talked to the seniors, there was a common theme that they truly enjoyed their time at UMass, four years went fast, and they all had positive memories about eating at the DC’s.
I am going to miss the graduating seniors and all of the students who truly are our best customers. Best of luck in the future to the seniors – you are always welcome back to UMass to have a meal on us. For those who will join us again next fall, try not to complain about food at home not having the variety of UMass Dining and be sure to help with the dishes. September will arrive soon enough; in the mean time, enjoy the rest of spring and summer!
This is Ken Toong and thank you for keeping UMass Dining at the top.
Ken Toong
Director
Contact Ken at ktoong@mail.aux.umass.edu