Catching food smugglers. Stopping streaking students. Cleaning up leftover beer cans. These tasks are not included in the job description of a Fairfield cafeteria staff member, but aren’t considered atypical.
According to Gerhard Keuck, food production manager, there is never a dull moment in the cafeteria. With the combination of 1,300 students who come through at lunch time each day, the need to provide all of them with food quickly and the lack of patience college students often possess, confrontations can occur.
“I had a confrontation with a student from the soccer team who called me a not so nice name,” said Keuck. “It started with an ‘A.'”
The confrontation occurred a couple of years ago when Keuck had to stop the rebellious varsity athlete when he decided it was acceptable to take a loaf of bread, a bag of muffins and an assortment of deli meats out of the cafeteria for dormitory dining.
“The problem is they [students] consider this like a Stop ‘ Shop,” said Keuck. “If you want to shop, the Stop ‘ Shop is five blocks down the road. Go five blocks and shop there.”
Bunny Switzer, a cafeteria staff worker, recalled a time when she had to chase after a student who decided to strip down and streak through the entire cafeteria.
“He just ran past the register and sprinted around the tables completely naked,” said Switzer. “I couldn’t believe that my boss told me to chase that naked boy down but he did.”
Imagine the chaotic scene created by the cafeteria lady, attired in apron and hair netting, desperately chasing after a student wearing nothing but a plate to cover what no one wants to see. Not an everyday sight! But it’s not always Fairfield students themselves who cause trouble; sometimes it’s what they leave behind.
“A dozen and a half empty beer cans were left on one of the tables last week. That, I have never seen before,” Keuck said.
With all the other places on campus to drink, Keuck didn’t understand why the cafeteria would be a fun alternative to a party atmosphere. To add insult to injury, Keuck was vexed that the students did not throw the empty beer cans in the trash.
He said that over the years he has seen many bizarre incidences and experienced many confrontations.
According to the staff, even though all the incidents have been minor and haven’t caused significant trouble, they still can’t believe some of the things the students have done, despite knowing that it’s not allowed.
“We have a sign as to what the students are expected to do and not to do,” said Keuck. “They should pay a little more attention to that.”
The staff at Barone cafeteria stressed that the relationship they have with the students at Fairfield is a positive and entertaining one. Barone Supervisor, Chris Bosze, explained that in his three years working in the cafeteria, 98 percent of the students have been friendly and polite.
“The guys sure love their little chicken patties and mashed potatoes,” said Switzer.
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