Chartwells Monthly | May 2019

MAY 2019

s t a r g Con s e t a u d Gra

inside:

Student Success Stories

+

Recognizing Our Difference Makers

communication / executive message

table of

contents:

letter from the ceo

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Letter From the CEO

A Fond Farewell

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Student Success Stories

Each May, I often get sentimental watching those students we’ve enjoyed getting to know and serve move out of their collective campuses. It’s bittersweet, thinking about how we’ll miss seeing them but knowing they will be putting their educations to work and moving on to the next chapter in their lives.

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Honoring Our Difference Makers

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Heroic Leaders

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Thanking Our Associates

The end of the year is also a time to thank those associates who give it their all every day. They think about creative ways to inspire students, bring smiles to their faces and lift their spirits with unexpected surprises.

Keeping our students happy and well fed with healthy, nutritious meals is what we strive to do, and we have so many outstanding team members who take that mission to heart. You can meet some of them on the following pages.

Finally, I’d like to extend a special thank you and congratulations to our 2019 class of Student Success Interns. I look forward to welcoming those who will be staying to begin their careers here, and wish those who are not good luck on their next adventures.

Summer at Chartwells means looking ahead to the fall semester, when there will be a new group of students coming to campus for the first time. Gearing up for their arrival, we explore ways to provide better options, refresh our innovations, and partner with new colleges and universities.

There are exciting times on the horizon this summer as we prepare for the new school year.

Wishing you all a healthy, happy and safe summer,

Lisa McEuen

On the Cover Missouri State Student Success Intern Megan Hein shows off her decorated graduation cap.

Read Page 2

Chief Executive Officer, Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services

Congratulations Grads!

Congratulations to the class of 2019. You have achieved a major milestone. We at Chartwells are thankful to have served you and hope we helped to provide some happy memories. Now, as you leave your campus homes and go forth to sow your dreams and forge your paths, we wish you all the best. Many of us will be thinking about you in the days and years ahead. Your bright, shining future awaits – continue reaching for the stars!

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CHARTWELLSMONTHLY.COM | MAY 2019

ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY

student success stories / community

Congrats To Our

Studen

s n r e t t SuccessIn

It’s been an incredible school year as we’ve watched our Student Success Interns learn, grow and contribute to our organization. I’m so proud of the work they’ve done for

Kristina

Austin

Maya

Megan

Haley

Laura

Deverick

Alicia

Danielle

Alison

Tylor

Chartwells and the impact they’ve made in our accounts and business. Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication of our mentors who helped develop these talented students. Thank you all for your support, and I look forward to continued success in 2019.

Finally, I’d like to congratulate our graduating Student Success interns. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and for those that are continuing their careers with Chartwells, I look forward to working with you more in the future! ~ Nicole Wagner, Student Success Manager

We look forward to working with all who will continue their careers with Chartwells, post-graduation.

Student Success Stories - From Intern to Manager During my time at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) as a Student Success Intern and Manager in Training (MIT), I was very fortunate to have strong support and gain hands-on experience. At FAU, I was lucky to have many committed mentors, including Layn Alderson, Ridwan Himawan and Chris Valdes.

As a Student Success Intern, I helped launch our first Dining Ambassador program, manage weekly events at our on-campus sports bar, including karaoke and trivia night, and create the “Owls Don’t Let Owls Eat Alone” initiative. After I graduated from FAU with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a major in finance, the MIT experience allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of our retail, residential dining, company culture and full-scale operations.

My experience with Chartwells – as an intern, a marketing assistant and then in the MIT program – has enhanced my business perspective. It has set me up for success in my new role as Director of Marketing & Guest Experience at Abilene Christian University, and I want to continue to grow my career with Chartwells Higher Education. I am proud to be a part of this progressive industry leader – a company that drives innovation through the power of food and nutrition.

~ Max

MAY 2019 | CHARTWELLSMONTHLY.COM

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people / campus legends

RE C O G N I Z I N G

s u p m a C ds n e g e L

Meet these dynamic dining service associates who have received special recognition from organizations in the community or their schools. Every day, these Chartwells’ team members tirelessly and happily spend their waking hours serving guests and making their campus experience a memorable one.

AUSTIN CRAIG BUFFALO STATE COLLEGE

Extraordinary EOP Supporter Chartwells’ Catering Director Austin Craig at Buffalo State received the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Staff Merit Award during the Honors Convocation.

The Arthur O. Eve Educational Opportunity Program began at Buffalo State in 1967 to give promising students from low-income families a chance to attend college.

A proponent of this program and always pushing to support it, Austin deserves extra recognition for being a stellar steward of EOP!

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CHARTWELLSMONTHLY.COM | MAY 2019 CHARTWELLSMONTHLY.COM | MAY 2019

campus legends / people LESLIE LOFGREN BECKER COLLEGE

Coveted Campus Award-Winner For her support, loyalty and campus involvement, Director of Dining Services Leslie Lofgren received the “President’s Cabinet Award” at Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts. More than 150 staff and faculty joined the celebration as College President Dr. Nancy Crimmin and Vice President of Student Affairs Frank Millerick presented her with this coveted recognition.

Lofgren joined Becker in 2010 at WPI as a production manager for Chartwells and rose through the ranks thanks to her great work ethic and winning attitude. Always willing to assist with last-minute catering events and doing whatever it takes to get the job done, she’s an outstanding example for her staff. Each year, her staff looks forward to the potluck holiday party she hosts, where everyone brings their favorite dishes representing their nationality to promote diversity and inclusion. And in an environment where safety matters, under Lofgren’s watch her location has been accident free since she started: 2,883 days and counting.

Great Work Ethic and Winning Attitude!

Although this executive chef doesn’t cook and prepare food daily in her role as director, her culinary acumen continues to serve the college well. With 35-plus years in the foodservice industry, she operated her own catering business (“Kiss the Cook Catering”) and cooked in her family’s Sturbridge-based restaurant, the Whistling Swan, until it sold. She also ran her own restaurant, the Red Rooster Café, before joining Chartwells. All this experience culminates in fabulous food offerings for students and guests at Becker College.

Congratulations to Leslie on her well-deserved award!

FROST VALLEY OASIS

EMPLOYEE

OF THE MONTH Hostess with the Mostess Ashley Van Aken was voted Frost Valley’s associate of the month – the first Chartwells’ associate to receive this recognition at Frost Valley OASIS. During a recent visit, OASIS cited her for excellent customer service along with superb hostess and catering skills. Frost Valley is a camping, environmental and conferencing center in Claryville, New York, near the Catskill Mountains, and Ashley has demonstrated exemplary work there. Congratulations, Ashley!

b!

o stellarJ Ashley

MAY 2019 | CHARTWELLSMONTHLY.COM

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people / heroic leaders

ic o r e H ers d a e L

Like protective parents, these leaders at Chartwells take extraordinary measures to help their staff members or mentor their associates and students. They don’t think twice about rising up for what’s right or spending extra time to bring their lessons to life.

RICK HAIGHT EAST CENTRAL UNIVERSITY

Fighting for Team Benefits In the summer of 2018, the state of Oklahoma passed a law that discontinued summer layoff benefits for Chartwells’ employees. Five state schools were affected – and some hard-working associates left the company.

During the Christmas break that followed, two employees of East Central University reached out to Director of Dining Services Rick Haight saying that they were struggling financially. One, on the verge of being evicted, was unable to pay rent, and the other couldn’t make his car payment. Haight knew something had to be done and that the law would have to change or this scenario would continue and others would be affected.

To get the ball rolling in the right direction, Haight contacted his local senator, reached out to the Department of Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (ESC) and called the other directors of Chartwells in Oklahoma, rallying them to also take a stand. John Miley of the Oklahoma ESC met with Haight, Emily Anderson of Oklahoma City University and Troy Jesseph of Oklahoma Baptist University. Together, these directors of

Haight’s dedication is a perfect example of the “People Pillar” personified.

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Chartwells, along with representatives, lobbied 17 senators, educating them about how this law is harmful to employees of foodservice companies. After some committee deliberations, a bill to repeal this law – with the backing of all 17 senators – passed with nearly unanimous support.

Haight’s dedication to his employees and those at other state schools is a perfect example of the “People Pillar ” personified. Because of him, Chartwells’ employees can now collect their much-needed benefits, feed their families, pay their utilities and essentials, and return to work in the fall. Many associates will forever be grateful for Rick Haight’s commitment to the company and his caring heart.

heroic leaders / people

ANDREW LIPSON UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

Mentoring on Critical Issues Resident District Manager Andrew Lipson is not only a Chartwells mentor at the University of Arkansas, but a mentor to many students in the classroom as well. For the past four years, Lipson has taught the “Critical Issues and Trends” Capstone course. As he says, “Teaching this class is fun, a privilege, a challenge, but most importantly impactful.”

Each spring, Lipson kicks off his class by having students complete a DiSC behavioral assessment.

He then creates work groups based on their DiSC profiles. The students are always fascinated – looking at themselves and others through the DiSC lens and understanding that different styles can create work group challenges.

From that point on, he pushes students out of their comfort zones. They create and conduct surveys, experience on-site insights and gain career-building analytical skills. Lipson says that the students push him as well – to be a better communicator, to be a better mentor and to be more vulnerable when he doesn’t explain an assignment well. They also challenge him to make next year ’s class even better.

it is my job to bring out his or her best. And the connection we make as a group is something I cherish,” says Lipson.

As Mackenzie Cvar, a student of his class, says, “The Capstone course with Chartwells revealed to me a new side of food that I had never exTeaching this class is fun, a perienced in a privilege, a challenge, but most classroom. Andrew importantly, impactful.

Lipson emphasized —Andrew Lipson that developing a concept starts with an atmosphere where teamwork and creativity is encouraged. He also taught us one of the most important lessons to use in our future work places: How to take care of your people. When you enjoy your work environment and the people you’re surrounded with, you will likely perform better.”

“There is something special about each student, and ANDREW AND HIS SPRING 2019 CLASS

MAY 2019 | CHARTWELLSMONTHLY.COM

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people / thanking our associates

u o y k n Tha ! s e t a i c Asso

They are always there to assist our students and guests, to lend a kind word, a helping hand and a warm smile. For the early mornings, the late nights, the commitments to carry on regardless of the challenges, we take our hats off to our devoted team members: Thank you... for all you do.

CHARTWELLS ASSOCIATES TOWSON UNIVERSITY

Delightful Derby Day!

Although miles from Bluegrass Country, Chartwells’ associates at Towson gathered to celebrate the end of the semester with a big Kentucky Derby soirée in Maryland. Five hundred team members received a special printed invitation to this special event, filled with delicious food and amusing activities.

Chefs across campus prepared a Kentucky-themed menu.

Tasty appetizers and mouth-watering entrees included a Pimento cheese platter with pita and veggies, Benedictine dip bread boule with crackers, oven-roasted sweet potatoes, Kentucky Hot Brown crostini, country ham biscuits with peach marmalade and grilled chicken with cucumber mint julep salsa. Needless to say, stomachs were full and satisfied.

The festivities included “betting stations,” where team members decked out in Derby hats and costumes to have their photos taken, and “pin the jockey on the horse,” spin the wheel and “live-action” horse-racing games. Lucky winners received prizes throughout the day, and the “Winner’s Circle” table featured Kentucky Derby glassware, t-shirts and socks along with Baltimore and TU books and apparel. The raffle prize was a $100 Amazon gift card.

The weather cooperated for this exciting Kentucky Derby Day in Baltimore County, with winning smiles and a great time had by all. As Chartwells’ employee, Phyllis Banks, adds (with a bit of humor injected), “Thank you for caring about us all and bringing a smile to our faces. The only thing I would change about the event is to let me win more often.”

DINING SERVICES STAFF TOCCOA FALLS COLLEGE

Toccoa’s Top Team

Chartwells’ Dining Services staff was honored with its own full-color, four-page spread in Toccoa Fall’s yearbook. Student journalists and photographers decided to feature the friendly, hardworking associates of Chartwells – giving them a lasting legacy in this important annual.

The team is thrilled and considers this to be a highlight of the semester…that will live on for decades to come.

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thanking our associates / people QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Pancake Panache

S

DE STU NT RANDY AVILA PURCHASE COLLEGE

Cooking Artist

RA N

DY!

A dedicated member of the Purchase Dining team, Randy Avila has been a line cook for two-and-a-half years.

Going above and beyond, he places creating exceptional dining experiences for students at the top of his ‘to do’ list.

Students frequently rave about him, and he goes out of his way to chat with them, answering their questions, highlighting campus events and sharing his food knowledge. Outgoing and friendly, Avila is a great example of student engagement.

Spring semester, he initiated and hosted “Game Show Night” in the Main Dining Hall, where students versus managers played their own version of Jeopardy. Among his many talents, Avila is an exceptional artist, who enjoys sketching and plans to release a line of designer t-shirts this summer. An asset to Purchase College, Avila really knows how to make students happy.

Flipping his pancakes with a special flair, James Ford was awarded Quinnipiac University’s Outstanding Staff Member Award. Nominated and voted on by students, he was cited for his hilarious personality and fantastic-tasting flapjacks. Bursting with character, Ford even brought the house down with applause when he accepted his award with humble humor.

QU appreciates all Ford does for the students and staff!

Superb!

James

KEN MARTIN SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY

Martin’s Mastery For bringing his best every day to Siena Heights, Chartwells’ Ken Martin was honored at the university’s Leadership Awards Ceremony in April. Inspiring others, Ken exemplifies the qualities of honesty and integrity, commitment and passion and accountability – to the benefit of our students and staff.

Congratulations to Ken and a big “thank you” for all he does.

MAY 2019 | CHARTWELLSMONTHLY.COM

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Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services • 2 International Drive, Rye Brook, NY 10573 Media interested in any additional details for content published in Chartwells Monthly can contact Meredith Rosenberg.

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