Dining halls are an essential part of the College, both physically and culturally. Arguably the heart of campus, they serve as the main spot where students run into classmates, catch up with old friends, and sit down for meals together.
During their four years at Colby, students spend far more time in the dining halls than they probably realize. Despite this, few pause to consider the immense daily effort and care it takes to maintain these spaces.
Having not attended the College before Parkhurst Dining took over operations, I cannot offer comparisons between past and present catering companies regarding food quality, nutrition, or dietary options. What I can speak on, though, is the human aspect behind those meals.
Keeping up with peak lunch and dinner rushes takes a level of coordination that students might not notice when they’re preoccupied with hunger. Julia, a recent addition to the Roberts Union staff, explained how communication keeps the dining hall running smoothly during peak hours.
“Everyone’s so good at communicating really well,” Julia said, reflecting on the workplace dynamic. She noted that despite being only a month into her position, mutual support defines the staff group. “It’s a very friendly environment… everyone’s very willing to help each other.”
While new staff adapt to the environment, established workers build relationships that stick with students for years. Dorinda — a veteran staff member currently assigned to Dana who has also worked in Roberts Union and Foss — seems to know the name of nearly every student who walks through the doors.
“This has been the most exciting, rewarding place to work for me,” she said. For her, the job means much more than serving food. It involves learning students’ routines and building bonds that extend beyond the dining hall.
“The seniors this past year wanted me to go to graduation, and they wanted me to meet their parents and grandparents,” Dorinda said. “I did get a chance to go to their graduation… it was just perfect.”
That same care greets students before they even enter the dining hall, too. Tammy, who has worked at Roberts Union for the past four years, is preparing to retire at the end of this semester. She treats her spot at the door as an opportunity to connect with students and is known for handing out stickers in the mornings.
“My goal is that you start your day with a smile from me,” Tammy said. She added that the reciprocated warmth from students makes her job a pleasure: “You guys have definitely made it the best experience for me.”
As students rush to eat between classes, practice, and study sessions, it is easy to view the dining hall as nothing more than a quick stop in a busy schedule. But acknowledging the staff who maintain these spaces offers a necessary perspective. The dining hall may be the social heart of Colby, but the community within it does not build itself. It is held up every day by the staff who remember our names, share a smile at the door, and make this campus feel a little more like home.
~ Sadie Gardner `28
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