GOURMET DINING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
The University’s food supplier, Gourmet Dining, has generously donated scholarship monies for students willing to work a certain number of hours per semester in the dining hall.
Students who work 75 hours in a semester are eligible for a $500 scholarship; those who work 150 hours can earn a $1,500 scholarship, and students who put in over 200 hours earn $2,500. The grants are in addition to the minimum wage earnings of $13 per hour.
Tom Duggan, director of dining services, says Gourmet Dining is always eager to work with the University community and to give back to the students. “This is a way to help students working for us attend college and get a degree.”
He points out that, with a certain number of hours, students could be earning over $10 more an hour than the standard minimum wage. Even students on scholarships can benefit because they can use the money for books or other purposes.
Student Gabriel Cruz works in the cafeteria grilling chicken and burgers, working the hot line and handling other duties. He appreciates his co-workers, who are “very friendly.” A computer science major from Brazil, he finds earning the extra money is a boost. “It is a great opportunity. As an international student it is helping me complete my degree.”
Duggan hopes other students step up and apply for the scholarship. “We are trying to normalize things as much as we can … that is the only way anyone is going to be able to move on.” To learn more about the scholarship program, contact Duggan at Tomduggan@gourmetdiningllc.com.
