The Dish
As we close out another academic year, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank every member of the Dining Services team for your hard work, resilience, and dedication throughout the year. From daily operations to large-scale campus collaborations, your efforts have made a lasting impact on the University of Maryland community.
This year brought both exciting opportunities and unexpected challenges. Together, we successfully hosted memorable events such as station takeovers, Sip & Paint programs for students, themed dining experiences, and many larger campus-driven collaboration events that helped create meaningful moments for our students and guests. At the same time, we navigated winter snowstorms, water main breaks, and the fast-paced demands that come with serving our campus community every day. Through it all, our team continued to show flexibility, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.I am incredibly proud of everything we accomplished together this year. Whether you work behind the scenes or directly serve our guests each day, your contributions matter and help make Dining Services a welcoming and supportive part of the student experience at the University of Maryland Dining Services and the broader University of Maryland community.
As we transition into summer operations, I hope everyone takes pride in all that we achieved this academic year. Thank you again for your continued hard work, teamwork, and dedication to our mission. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and well-deserved summer.
Behind many of the sweet treats enjoyed across campus is the dedicated team from the Maryland Bakery and Dairy. From freshly made pastries and desserts to the iconic Maryland Dairy ice cream flavors loved by Terps, this team helps create memorable dining experiences for the campus community every day.
Recently highlighted in the Peer Review Profiles, Executive Pastry Chef Jeff Russo shared a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity, craftsmanship, and teamwork that drive the Bakery and Dairy operations. With nearly 30 years of leadership at University of Maryland Dining Services, Jeff has helped build a team known not only for exceptional quality, but also for remarkable longevity, the majority of the staff have been part of the bakery team for 10 to 29 years.
Over the years, the Bakery team has continued to expand its skills and craftsmanship, creating handmade bakery items enjoyed across the entire UMD campus. Through completion of the apprenticeship program, bakery staff learn baking fundamentals, culinary techniques, and the history behind many classic recipes allowing them to prepare for advanced positions in the bakery. The program reflects the Bakery’s commitment to employee growth, mentorship, and preserving the artistry behind the craft.
The scale of the bakery is just as impressive as the craftsmanship. The bakery has the capacity to produce large qualities, for example for graduation events this year the bakery team produced over 5,000 hand cut specialty cookies. Over the years, the team has also contributed to unforgettable campus moments, including creating a cake that served 50,000 guests and a University of Maryland themed cupcake display made with over 50,000 cupcakes, setting what we would call a world record.
The Maryland Bakery and Maryland Dairy are more than production operations, they are an important part of campus tradition and the Dining Services experience. Their dedication to innovation, hospitality, and excellence continues to leave a lasting impact across the university.
Congratulations to employees who have recently started in a new position!
Dining Services recently celebrated the dedication of the newly named Kugel Family Station for Omelet Excellence at Yahentamitsi Dining Hall, recognizing the Kugel family’s generous support of Dining Services student employees through a newly established endowed scholarship. Featured in the Maryland Today article, “A ‘Mom-elet’ for Mother’s Day,” the special ceremony highlighted the lasting impact this scholarship will have in supporting student employees and enhancing the student experience within Dining Services.
The event brought together campus partners, Dining Services staff, students, and the Kugel family to celebrate not only the dedication of the station, but also the meaningful contributions of student employees who help serve the Maryland community each day. This investment reflects a continued commitment to student success, community, and the welcoming environment that Dining Services strives to create across campus.
Sign up at the Eppley Membership Desk with your university ID. Anyone with an active RecWell membership may stop by the Member Service Desk to redeem free towel service for the 2-week free trial period.
Join your colleagues to celebrate a successful academic year together!
Cool off and connect with colleagues in TerpZone this summer. Friendly competition and
bragging rights included.
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Hydrate and Take Care of Yourself
As temperatures begin to rise and summer approaches, it’s important to stay mindful of your health and well-being while working in warm kitchen and dining environments. Long shifts, heat, and busy operations can quickly lead to dehydration and fatigue if you are not taking time to care for yourself.
Remember to drink water regularly throughout your shift, take scheduled breaks, and pay attention to signs of overheating or exhaustion. Staying hydrated and rested helps you remain alert, energized, and safe while supporting both your teammates and our guests.
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication this summer season, taking care of yourself is an important part of taking care of our Dining Services community.