Ms. May eating in the dining hall. (Photo Courtesy Dean College)
The second semester of the 2023-2024 school year has been interesting for Dean College students. Recently, Dean students who eat at the Smith Dining Center have voiced their displeasure about the food and dining service.
Despite this ongoing concern, there is at least one thing people always look forward to going to the dining hall. This is being greeted by one of the sweetest people that will brighten your week and day, and that is May Eisenstadt, who students refer to as Ms. May.
While working at the dining hall, May has always had a positive attitude. Some students will even say that she is the mother of the Dean College community, and the example of the Dean Difference.
Even during her days off, May has supported the Dean community by attending sporting events, showcase shows, and anything to do regarding what happens on campus. May has always supported the students no matter if they are studying Sports Broadcasting, Sports Management, Dance, theater, or something else. She even takes time during her lunch and dinner breaks to talk and have students sit with her, knowing she does not have to, but does so anyway.
On February 20th, the Dean College community discovered May was let go by Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, the company that provides Dean Colleges food and service. The Dean College community was stunned and hurt by the news.
A person by the name of "Bean Beans", started a change.org petition titled "Bring Back Miss May". The petition received over 500 signatures in 10 hours, filled with donations and support. Both current and former students have voiced their support for May while calling out Aramark and Dean College.
Many Students have even shared the link to their social media platforms and started the hashtag FreeMay.
Barbara Rose, the Dietitian at Dean College said, “I do not really know what is going to happen," about the outrage of May's release. "If you continue to work anywhere you work, make mistakes and it continues to happen then there is a risk," Rose continued.
“Like I said, that’s a petition”, Rose said about the petition.
Another pressing issue is the quality of food served at the dining hall. Rose said, “As a community, we are here to listen and learn. I am always here to talk about anything with Dietitian. You can always reach out to me, or Dave Drucker with questions”.
General manager of Aramark Ryan Dooley was not present at the time.
Several students also made their opinions on the cafeteria known. One anonymous student said, “The food at the dining hall has sucked since the day I stepped foot on this campus. The food is horrible, it's not even cooked good, and the fact that our meal plan goes towards this garbage is wild. Bring back May, she is the nicest person on this campus and better than the teachers that work here. She is the only good thing about the dining hall. Also, get a new grill in the kitchen it has been over a week."
Another student said, “I hope the firing of Ms. May will wake up the administration on campus. I hope they can solve this and hopefully have Ms. May work for Dean College and not for that horrible company.
"I have never heard a terrible thing about May. She is the most loving person on this campus. I hope this is resolved," said another student
Another student said, "Bring May back."
Dean will miss May's presence. The question now arises as to whether Dean will look into the situation further.
Comments