The KSC Student Assembly meeting on November 4 featured guest speaker Bobbie Walker, the regional director of operations at Chartwells.
At the September 23 assembly meeting, Walker and others from Keene State Dining had spoken about the adjusted hours of operation for Zorn Dining Commons and Lloyds. This time, Walker shared information regarding changes on the dining team and throughout campus.
Patrick Friley, the previous director of dining services and district manager would no longer be working with Chartwells. Walker said the rest of the team from their previous appearance [Chef Austin O’Hara and Kala Clark] would still hold their current positions moving forward.
“We are working on creating a replacement, but in the meantime, I am here. If you’re in the dining hall, you know, walking around, you’ve probably seen me quite a bit. Between now and the end of the year, I’ll be on campus as a leader for the team.” Walker said. She continued, “I’m there to support them [the KSC Dining team]. So if anyone has any questions or concerns, they can reach out to me.”
Walker shared that there were two additional chefs who started on November 3, one with experience in events at TD Garden, and the other with a background in banquet catering. Walker said the new chefs, Wyatt and Cindy, would be getting trained with the rest of Dining services, and the whole team was excited about the extra help Chef Austin would be getting from the new hires.
Kala Clark would be continuing her work on various events and Limited Time Offers in both Zorn and Llyod’s, while Josh had designed a special Sizzler for the week of November 3.
“Everything will still be business as usual, you won’t see any changes to service or anything different from what you’ve experienced. I just wanted to make everyone aware of who they could go to if they have any questions.” Walker said.
Walker requested that students take the opportunity to fill out KSC Dining’s survey shared on their social media, with the goal of helping them plan out their Spring semester schedule.
After Walker’s appearance, Speaker Amanda Rotigliano announced that she had finalized the details of the upcoming assembly meeting, including guest speakers.
At the November 18 meeting, newly appointed interim President Donald L. Birx and Keri Lewis, the Coordinator of Student Organizations & Leadership, will be speaking. Lewis had intended to speak at the October 21 meeting, alongside former President Melinda Treadwell, but had other obligations. The meeting, like all assembly meetings, will be open to students with any questions for Birx or Lewis.
At the December 2 meeting, Barbara Berthiaume, the Nurse Practitioner and Chief Medical Officer at the Wellness Center will be speaking, as well as the possibility of KSC Dining again.
Rotigliano said she and Jen Ferrell had been trying to compile a list of questions for Birx, with the intention of sharing them with Birx’s secretary ahead of his appearance, so he could come fully prepared with answers. Rotigliano then opened the floor for any suggestions the assembly member currently had for the list.
Representative Linderman asked what Birx was planning on changing or keeping the same at Keene going forward, and Representative O’Neill asked if he was going to be bringing any Plymouth State life, culture or traditions to KSC.
Rotigliano said that the assembly members were welcome to email her or Ferrell any other questions they or students outside of the assembly may have for Birx prior to the next assembly meeting.
Treasurer Karen Cisneros shared a paper with the assembly, featuring a schedule of the Budget Committee’s upcoming meetings, the most recent being November 12 and November 25, at 6:30 pm in room 308 in the Student Center. Cisneros said her main focus at the moment was preparing for the November 12 meeting.
The next Senate meeting will be held at 4 pm, on November 12, in the Mountain View room, with a student senate seat still available. Rotigliano said there was a possibility of another opening up during the Spring semester, but it’s not yet a guarantee.
Additionally, Representative and Member-At-Large O’Neill announced that he will be taking over the chair position for the Campus Safety and Standards Committee.
As for courtesies, Rotigliano shared that the Eco Reps held a Tote Bag painting activity on November 5 at 6pm. Also mentioned a request for volunteers for Red and White Night, which will take place on Friday, Nov. 21. Admission will be free for KSC seniors and $20 for accompanying guests.
Samantha Menard can be contacted at
Hope is the managing executive editor of The Equinox and was not involved in the process of writing or editing this Equinox article.
