Sodexo Team Members Nominated by Colby-Sawyer College “2011 Staff Employee of the Year”

NEW LONDON, New Hampshire – Sodexo, the on-campus dining service provider for Colby-Sawyer College, today announced that three of its team members are nominated for the college’s “2011 Staff Employee of the Year” award. The nominees include Michael Heffernan, Cheryl Lawson, and Teresa Gallagher.  

Each year, Colby-Sawyer invites its students, faculty and staff to nominate a non-faculty member who has made an outstanding contribution to enhancing or improving the institution and, therefore, enabling the college to meet its mission. The nominee must exemplify characteristics valued at the college (honesty, integrity, high quality work, productive resourcefulness, teamwork, initiative, respect for the individual, and a sense of humor); have made a significant effort to help fellow employees or students; enhanced the college environment in a significant manner; exhibited particularly high standards of conduct or job performance, and been actively involved in the life of the college.

Michael Heffernan, Sodexo General Manager at Colby-Sawyer, celebrated his twenty-fifth anniversary with the school this past June. A past recipient of the “1996 Staff Employee of the Year” award, Heffernan’s primary focus is the dining guest and cultivating a positive influence on students.

“Many students ask for advice or need guidance,” said Heffernan. “This semester I have three students who want me to assist them with their capstone projects.”

Heffernan is a frequent panelist for the Discovery Day information sessions for parents of perspective students, the Men’s Lacrosse Club advisor, and a former staff representative to the Community Council group that deals with students who have broken the CSC Code of Conduct.

Cheryl Lawson serves as Sodexo Greeter for the dining hall. According to her peers, she provides an exceptionally high level of interaction with the dining guests shown through professional, caring and prompt service. Lawson makes sure students know if their favorite food is being served or about special events in which they may be interested in participating.

“Cheryl has a gift for making students feel welcome which she demonstrates every day throughout the year,” said Rebecca Bense, Sodexo Operations and Catering Manager for Colby-Sawyer College. 

Teresa Gallagher, Sodexo Dining Room Supervisor, began her position at Colby-Sawyer College in 2001 after spending many years working in local restaurants. Fellow staff members attest that Gallagher, over the past decade, treats students and fellow staff as family. Gallagher was awarded the Colby-Sawyer College “2006 Staff Member of the Year” award during which she received a rousing standing ovation.

About Sodexo at Colby-Sawyer College (http://www.colby-sawyer.edu)

The Sodexo dining team at Colby-Sawyer College is committed to offering a wide range of options for a healthy dining experience. From recipes that include the most nutritious mix of ingredients to offering educational resources for positive lifestyle habits, healthy options are the result of a team dedicated to advancing the well-being of the entire campus community. Another important part focus on health and wellness is the use of seasonal menus, featuring fresh and healthy ingredients - many of which are grown by local or regional farmers. For students who have special dietary and nutritional needs, Sodexo has informational resources and customized menus to address specific needs. These menus meet the strictest compliance standards, without sacrificing flavor, texture or presentation.

For more information, contact Michael Heffernan, General Manager at 603-526-3989.

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