5/18/2010

SRU Good News for Oct. 2, 2009

Boozel earns Dining Hall of Distinction honor

Slippery Rock University's Boozel Dining Hall has been named a runner-up in University Business magazine's Dining Halls of Distinction recognition program and will be featured in this month's edition.
Only 12 dining halls nationwide were selected. The program honors excellence in all aspects of operations, including variety of entrees, satisfaction, atmosphere and sustainability.
          Melissa Ezarik, managing editor, cited Boozel's open-kitchen concept, takeout options and bright atrium as standout amenities. Boozel serves 3,500 meals daily.
            "The judges liked the focus on staff development, which includes an annual culinary camp and quarterly culinary councils that chefs attend to network and learn about the latest marketplace innovations. We were also impressed by the use of a mystery shopper program as a way to ensure good customer service," Ezarik said.
           Three editors, the magazine's art director, a recent college graduate, a graduate student and Neal Raisman, a higher education consultant and former college president, evaluated dining operations at institutions across the country. Four winners and eight runners-up were selected. Boozel will be profiled in the October edition of the magazine.
            "We're one of 12 in the country to be honored. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment, and it is good to know that our hard work and effort in planning the program got recognized, not just by students, but by a national magazine," said John Vag, director of AVI Foodsystems, SRU's contract food vendor.
            Vag said the mystery shopper program involves an independent audit of Boozel operations. AVI hires a third-party vendor to grade the facility on food quality, appearance, display, and courteousness of staff and customer impression.
           The 36,500-square-foot dining hall opened in 1971 but was renovated last year to accommodate the increased number of students dining at the facility due to its convenient proximity to the six new suite-style residential halls in the eastern end of campus.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania's premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

Editor's Note: The successes of our friends and colleagues at the University are something we should all celebrate�and share. The University Public Relations Office has introduced a daily E-feature to share a good news story about a person, program, activity or service associated with Slippery Rock University. When good news happens to you, please let us know so we might share it with others. Submit items through campus e-mail to: GoodNews@sru.edu <mailto:GoodNews@sru.edu> .

Good News: Boozel earns Dining Hall of Distinction honor

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