Schools
TU Dining Spotlight: Debbie and Clyde McCane Put Students First, Every Day
Through storms, closures, and game days, the McCanes show up every day to serve, support, and connect with TU students.
Tulsa, OK - For Debbie and Clyde McCane, the reason they show up—during closures, winter storms, and the busiest game days of the year—is straightforward: students.
Married for 26 years, the McCanes are a constant presence within TU Dining. Debbie recently celebrated 30 years of service at the University of Tulsa, a career defined by adaptability, consistency, and care. Over the years, she has worked across multiple dining locations, beginning in the cafeteria, serving students at Pat Case from 1996 to 2009, and later working in the campus coffee shop before Starbucks opened. Today, she is part of the Einstein Bros. Bagels team, where she continues to build strong relationships with students every day.
Clyde works at the Hurricane Market, where his presence is both practical and reassuring. Students rely on the market for essentials, and Clyde makes sure it remains a dependable stop on campus. His conversations with students—checking in, asking how they’re doing—are part of what makes the space feel steady and welcoming.
The connections Debbie and Clyde have built over time are what motivate them most. With their own children grown, they take genuine pride in caring for the students they see daily and in building meaningful relationships that go beyond a transaction at the counter.
That commitment was especially visible during the winter storms of 2025 and 2026. While severe weather shut down much of campus and nearly eight inches of snow fell, Clyde kept the Hurricane Market open so students could access food and essential supplies—especially those preparing to travel off campus. At the same time, Debbie and the Einstein Bros. team opened throughout the weekend, offering consistency, encouragement, and a familiar presence when students needed it most. The Einstein’s team is known for remembering students’ names and orders, a small detail that carries real weight during stressful moments. Debbie showing up mattered—and students felt it.
Game days offer a different kind of reward. Debbie and Clyde regularly volunteer for concessions shifts, supporting their Sodexo teammates and helping create a smooth, positive experience. They enjoy seeing students in a different light—relaxed, excited, and fully present—and take pride in contributing to an atmosphere that feels celebratory and communal.
Across storms, closures, and everyday routines, Debbie and Clyde McCane continue to do what they have always done: show up for students, support their team, and keep TU Dining running when it counts. Their work reflects the reliability and care that define the University of Tulsa experience.
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