December 11, 2023
A dining service associate in Cather Dining, Gretchen Hamilton hopes to make a lasting impact on the lives of students — whether it’s a friendly smile or helping them connect with campus resources. And it’s an impact you’ll see when you’re scrolling on social media where students leave comments about their love for her and her importance in our Husker family.
What is your role within the university and what does it entail?
As a dining services associate in Willa Cather Dining, I work in dishes, desserts and the salad bar. For the dishes, we work in a rotation. So, sometimes you wash and unload dishes and other times you clean pots and pans. And then for salads — making sure all of the containers are full. In the dessert bar, make sure there is enough dessert for whoever wants one at the end of the night.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Talking to people — anybody and everybody. I try to have a good relationship with everyone.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in dining services? What drew you to this opportunity?
Actually, I worked for many years on East Campus from about 2001–2010. It just so happened that Cather was hiring, and my mom helped me find this job. It was time for me to find a full-time job. It’s a miracle that this place (Willa Cather Dining) worked out. I’ve been very happy over the last three years here.
I wanted to work specifically at UNL because of the good people. Lincoln has been home to me for most of my life. All of my siblings went to school here. My big sister lived in Smith. My younger brother lived in Abel and that’s actually where he met his wife! My other brother and my mom came to UNL for grad school as well.
You have been working at UNL in dining services since 2001. How have dining halls changed over the years?
I would say that the people and the locations have changed. The East Campus dining hall used to be upstairs. Then, they took out the bookstore and a sandwich shop to fit the new cafeteria space. So, it’s very interesting to see the changes. We went there for a field trip and the space was still very nice. There are four or five original staff members from when I worked there that are still working on East Campus. The food options have also expanded hugely. The pizza, pasta and grill space that is at the East Campus dining center is bigger than what I remember, and there is more food students can pick from.
We also never had TVs when I worked on East Campus. We wrote the menus and specials every day on a dry-erase board. Then they used to have a blue-plate special that was $5.15, and you could get all the salad you wanted. Also, food options used to be priced individually.
You are known for a warm hello and smile for students dining at Cather. What impact do you hope to make on students?
I have always struggled with having a disability and trying to find my place where I belong. It was in my second year working here that I wanted to make Cather a place where everybody is welcome. Regardless of who you are, where you come from or your background, I want everyone to have a positive place to go to. And, if I can do that for one person, then I feel like I have done my job. It’s amazing.
I think there is so much negativity in this world and it’s hard to find the positive. I just want a place where everyone is loved.
In February, you were awarded Institution Faculty/Staff member of the month for your work. What does this honor mean to you?
It means a lot. It means that people appreciate what I do, and it makes me feel good. My grandfather was a pastor and always lived to give, and through this job, I feel like I’m keeping that tradition alive. I want to keep giving. I love people, I always have.
Is there anything you think people don’t know/would be interested to know about the work that goes on behind the scenes at dining services?
I think people would be surprised to know how many dishes we do, specifically how many pots and pans we go through. I also think people would be surprised how big of an impact we in the dining hall can have on the student experience and the campus community.
Describe the value of providing exceptional service for students in the dining hall. Why is it more than just serving food?
Anybody can be a food server, but you have to have good people skills. You have to know how to smile. You don’t always have to have full conversations with people, but I think anybody can find one thing in common with somebody. I think once you find that one common thing, things don’t feel so different. Most don’t have the time to have a full conversation, so they tell me whatever they want to give me that day. I know there was a chemistry test last week and I asked students to tell me all about that! Some kids have math tests. Some kids may just be having a really bad day, and they just need someone to listen to them and make them feel better. And that’s what I am going to do — help you all. My big hope from someone who never went to college is to see as many people as possible graduate.
I want you all to know that there is a place for students to go to where somebody cares about you. If I can make a student’s day a bit better, then I have done my job. At the end of the night, I seriously do go home happy, and I will tell my family about the conversations I have had. It’s always a joy when you get to do something you love.
Is there a memory while working at the university that has, and will continue to stick with you?
There was a kid from when I worked on East Campus who was really struggling with school. He was telling me that he was going to fail his classes and drop out of school. I said, “No, you are not going to do that. You are going to get a tutor. When I was in junior high, tutoring helped me get on the honor roll for one year.” That did it. He got a tutor, and he came back to me at the end of the year and said he passed his classes and was going to graduate. I was very happy for him. That is still a story that sticks in my head, and I remember it every time.
A message from Gretchen:
I just really love what I do. I really love these kids. I want to thank everyone who has posted, said or written positive things about me because that makes me happy to know that I am making a difference in your life. It means the world. I also want to thank my family, my parents, my siblings, my grandparents and my dog, Bailey Jay, for all their love and support along the way. I am super blessed to be able to do what I do Tuesday through Saturday.
