The second semester is coming to an end fast, and the food has picked up its pace with increased options. If students have been keeping up with Darren Campbell and the Dining Hall’s emails and student outreach through the Royal Radar, they would notice the large number of special events occurring within the Dining Hall this semester.
The Student Government Association (SGA) senators are big fans of these events, praising the Dining Hall’s willingness to explore new options and have creative meals that diversify what can sometimes be a recurring meal schedule. Many senators mentioned the specials, like the Korean and Chipotle bowls, that had mass popularity when giving feedback to Campbell at a recent SGA meeting. When further discussing the increase in these events with Campbell, he stated that, “Pioneer has always pushed us to do these so-called ‘Bonus Bites’ on top of the meal plan to go above and beyond,” which can really be seen as of late in the effort being put in by the Dining Hall staff.
Prior to this year, the Dining Hall’s reputation with students was low, but with the increase in “Bonus Bites” and enthusiasm, the Dining Hall has really started to turn that notion around. Darren continued by giving “a lot of the credit to Dana Bontarue, the office assistant here for Pioneer, for coming up with fun, neat ideas. She deserves a lot of the credit there,” spreading out the recognition to other staff members to support the love of the food and experience being provided. Bontarue has been a large boost of joy within the Dining Hall around the time of these events, as she at times mans the main station and is always willing to have a friendly and supportive talk. If it is feeding Korean bowls, making omelets, or even crêpes, Bontarue is there with a smile on her face and ready to see the smiles of students who get a more exciting eating experience. Her and many of the staff’s enthusiasm has brightened the Dining Hall’s joy and made it very clear how much they enjoy providing the EMU community with new and exciting meals that can be shared over the lunch break period to break up stress from classes, clubs, and sports.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to the staff in the Dining Hall, either with suggestions to heighten everyone’s experience, because they want student voices in what they provide. “Your Opinion Matters” is a QR code system within the Dining Hall that allows students to leave their suggestions. If students have the opportunity to join the Dining Hall over one of these meals, come on out, as the support they give encourages the Dining Hall staff to continue providing an experience they are proud of for all meals of the day.
