Cooking is an act of love, and Newman Director of Food Services Kelli Griffin is making that a point in her new position.
Prior to and throughout her 12 years at Great Western Dining (GWD), the food service management company for Newman, Griffin has loved home baking.
Griffin loves to bake delicious, sweet treats for Newman students and others, like gender-reveal and birthday cakes, especially those for someone who is extra special to her — Payton, her 2-year-old-granddaughter, whom Griffin tries to spend as much time with as possible.
Since Griffin’s promotion in July, she has been busy coming up with new ideas for Mabee Dining Center and Sacred Grounds Coffee & Café, catering multiple events, learning payroll and increasing staffing. Griffin and four other GWD employees have “done the work of 15 people for weeks,” Griffin said, citing late nights and early mornings. Griffin has been so busy, she didn’t have time to create a cake for Payton’s second birthday this year, which happens to fall right at the beginning of the school year.
It is a lot of work, but I don’t take failing as an option.
Kelli Griffin, director of food services
“It is a lot of work, but I don’t take failing as an option,” Griffin said. “I am looking forward to the point where we have a cohesive team and it starts running itself.”
Griffin hopes to emphasize the “little things” — the details that may go unnoticed but matter, like making sure the salt and pepper shakers are clean, or the seats are wiped down.
Then there are the bigger items on her to-do list, like changing catering menu options and completely redecorating the Mabee Dining Center.
“We are here for the students, and they are here (in Mabee) so much. I think they would like to see new artwork or pictures on the walls,” Griffin. “I am asking clubs about their input on new ways of displaying their countries instead of just the laminated flags as well.”
Griffin wants to make sure to include students in these decisions, which is part of the reason why the hours of Sacred Grounds were recently changed — in hopes of attracting more students.
“I have a manager over there (Sacred Grounds), Charlie, who is coming up with new sandwich ideas and asking students about what they would like to see,” Griffin said.
Griffin is excited about these changes and feels thankful for students being back on campus.
“I am excited to get to know them. They have been so polite and kind. You don’t get that much in food service,” Griffin added. “They are coming from all over the world, and we are one of their first experiences. Let’s make a good impression.”
Feedback welcome and appreciated
During Back to School Week, Griffin let first-year parents know their kids are safe and if they have any issues, to let her know.
“We need to treat them as if they are one of our own kids,” Griffin said. “I want these students to know that if they have a problem, please let me know. I will make sure changes are made for them.”
Through instilling familial values in the staff, giving Mabee Dining Center a makeover and amplifying student voices, Griffin knows she will create the best environment possible for Newman students.
“Seeing the students smile, laugh and enjoy the space is what makes me happy,” Griffin added.
Soon, Griffin will be able to watch the well-oiled machine she created work as she wants it to and can look forward to putting her focus on other aspects of her life, like being able to spend more time with her granddaughter, Payton, as well as another grandbaby on the way.
Then, “Grandma Kelli” will never miss another opportunity to bake Payton and her soon-to-be sibling celebratory cakes.
Dining services at Newman University
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, each meal offers students the variety and nutrition to meet both traditional and special tastes.
