🌍 Harvest Table Employee Appreciation: A Trip Around the World ✈️

April 9, 2025 – Manchester Lawn

This week, we rolled out the red carpet (or in this case, the globe!) for our incredible Harvest Table team during our annual Employee Appreciation Event. Held outdoors under the tent on Manchester Lawn, the theme this year was “Travel the World”—a celebration of culture, cuisine, and the amazing people who make Deacon Dining what it is.

Upon arrival, staff were handed their passports and encouraged to get them stamped at each of the four global food stations. The culinary adventure included:

🍔 North America – Classic sliders & popcorn
🍝 Europe – Pasta dishes & fresh fruits
🌮 Latin America – Pupusas & chicharrónes
🥟 Asia – Dumplings & papaya salad

But the fun didn’t stop at food! Team members played a lively round of travel-themed bingo, stepped in front of the 3D photo booth, enjoyed caricature portraits, entered raffle drawings, and picked up brand-new Deacon Dining t-shirts.

One of the most heartfelt moments came courtesy of our Student Board Representative, Owen Donahue, who shared a special student-led appreciation project. Throughout the week, Owen visited campus dining locations with three giant posterboards, inviting students to sign and share kind words for their favorite dining team members.

“I just loved hearing everyone’s stories,” Owen shared. “Everyone I talked to had something nice to say or a fun memory they shared about a member of Deacon Dining.”

From heartfelt messages to global treats, this event was all about showing gratitude—and it’s safe to say the love was felt.

💛 To our entire Harvest Table team:

Thank you for all that you do. You are truly the heart of our dining program—not just because of the meals you serve, but because of the warmth, care, and consistency you bring to our community each and every day.

For so many students, the dining halls are more than just places to eat—they’re where friendships are made, where study breaks turn into meaningful conversations, and where a familiar face can brighten a long day. Whether you’re preparing meals, greeting students with a smile, or keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, your work helps shape the daily rhythm and social culture of our campus.

You create spaces where students feel welcome, cared for, and connected. And that impact goes far beyond the plate.

From all of us—thank you for your dedication, your kindness, and the heart you bring to your work. We appreciate each and every one of you, more than words can say.