As summer settles in, I hope you are finding opportunities to stay cool, recharge, and enjoy the season.
While campus may feel quieter than it does during the academic year, our work remains as important as ever. Throughout the summer, we welcome thousands of conference guests, orientation attendees, campers, and visitors to the University of Maryland. For many of them, their first impression of campus is shaped by the meals we serve and the hospitality we provide. Whether you're preparing food, serving guests, maintaining our facilities, or supporting operations behind the scenes, you play a vital role in creating a welcoming experience that reflects the very best of UMD Dining Services.Summer is also a season of preparation. As we support our guests, we are simultaneously laying the foundation for the upcoming academic year. Across the department, teams are deep cleaning facilities, testing new menu ideas, upgrading equipment, participating in training opportunities, and planning for the fall semester. This work may not always be visible to our guests, but it is essential to our continued success.
I want to thank each of you for the dedication, flexibility, and professionalism you bring to your work every day. Whether you're supporting summer programs, mentoring new employees, leading projects, or keeping our operations running smoothly, your efforts make a difference. The momentum we build during these summer months helps ensure we are ready to welcome students back with the exceptional service and dining experiences they expect.
Thank you for all you do. Let's continue to support one another, prioritize our well-being, and carry forward the spirit of excellence that makes UMD Dining Services such a special place to work and serve.
This month’s Employee Spotlight shines on Norma Reyes, our Food Services Specialist at Chick-Fil-A!
Norma has been part of the Dining Services team for nearly 20 years, and throughout her time with the department, she has consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership. Her commitment to excellence, willingness to support others, and ability to lead by example have made a lasting impact on our operations and workplace culture. Whether guiding team members through daily challenges or helping ensure exceptional service for our guests, she exemplifies what it means to be a Dining Services leader.
We are incredibly proud of Norma and grateful to have her as a part of The Dining Services team.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
The University of Maryland Dining Services is proud to announce that we have received the Silver Award for Wellness & Nutrition Program of the Year from the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS).
Each year, NACUFS recognizes collegiate dining programs across the country that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students. The Wellness & Nutrition Awards celebrate outstanding programs that promote healthy eating habits, nutrition education, and student engagement through creative and impactful initiatives.
This year's award recognizes Dining Services' efforts to create fun, interactive, and educational experiences that help students make informed choices about their health and well-being. Through nutrition-focused events, wellness programming, educational outreach, and collaboration across campus, our team continues to make nutrition an engaging and accessible part of the student dining experience.
This recognition reflects the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our Dining Services staff, nutrition team, chefs, managers, and student employees who work together to support the health and success of our campus community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this achievement and helped make our wellness initiatives a success.
Congratulations to the entire Dining Services team on this national recognition!
New Possibilities!
Hydrate and Take Care of Yourself
As temperatures rise, it's important to make hydration a priority. Working in kitchens, dish rooms, and other warm environments can increase the risk of dehydration, fatigue, and heat- related illnesses.
Remember to drink water regularly throughout your shift, even if you don't feel thirsty. Take advantage of scheduled breaks, refill your water bottle often, and pay attention to signs of dehydration such as headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, or fatigue.
Staying hydrated helps you stay alert, focused, and safe while performing your job. Taking a few moments to care for yourself can make a big difference in your overall well-being and help ensure a safe and successful summer for everyone.