Campus Dining: Unsung Heroes

UnSung Heroes are individuals who receive little to no recognition. This series is to shed light on the many individuals across our great campus that take great care in servicing students, faculty, and alumni. First, Southern University Campus Dining is home to several individuals including many individuals who has served students, alumni, and faculty for over 10 years.
As you enter Mayberry Dining Hall, one friendly face you will encounter at the front door is cashier, Joyce Hatch. She has worked at SU for over 25 years. When asked why Southern University instead of a different place of employment, her response showed the reasoning for dedication.
“Because I love my job and I love our customers,” Hatch declared. Her fondest memory of working on-campus is the love she received one birthday. “My fondest memory was on my birthday. A lot of students surprised me with gifts.”
Her message to the students at Southern University is “Keep your mind on your school-work!” Staying focused on the objective which is getting an education and graduating is important for a successful school year.
Once customers decide on whether that want to dine in or to-go, there are other individuals they may encounter.
One food service worker is Yverne Hills. She has worked for campus dining for 17 years.
Her love of Southern University is the evidence in the longevity of her employment. “I have always loved Southern. I like watching SU Football and was excited when I was told about the opportunity to work here before leaving New Orleans,” Hills exclaimed with excitement.
After Hurricane Katrina, Hills relocated to Baton Rouge. “My fondest memory was when I arrived in 2005. Workers and managers were very hospitable and welcomed me with open arms after a traumatic experience during Hurricane Katrina.”
Hills declared her love and support of the SU community. “I love them all and appreciate working with them. I really accept them as family. Its also so nice to be remembered by old students through the years when they come back to visit.”
On Stir-fry in Mayberry Dining Hall is Johnny Hamilton, food service worker. Hamiliton has worked at campus dining since 2009. When asked why work at Southern University Campus Dining, his answer was “Because I absolutely love my HBCU!” Not only do he love his HBCU, but he also loves his students and serving them as well.
When asked about his fondest memory working at SU, he replied, “That would have to be the good times we have with our students at Spring Fest every year!”
Customers at the dining may choose to eat from the grill. This is where you may find Tony James and his famous, “Tony” burger.
Known to many as “Mr. Tony”, Tony James, food service worker has worked at campus dining for over 25 years. James said, “Southern University is the best place to work, and the people are great. They show respect for me and call me Mr. Tony.”
Since the invention of the “Tony” burger and its success, James beams with pride each time a customer asks for one. “Every time students and staff come up to the grill with a big smile and ask for a “Tony” burger is always a fond memory for me,” James said.
His message to students is to “Keep coming to Mayberry and keep sending me those awesome surveys! I love it!”
Another individual, LaTisha Williams, retail manager located in the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union, has worked for campus Dining for 22 years.
“SU is home,” Williams contributed as the reasoning behind her dedicated service. With SU being home, the students are like family to her. Her message to the students is “Never give up. With God, all things are possible.”