The University of Kansas: Week One

WOW it's only been one week?! I guess it can go to say that KU Dining has had a jam-packed, educational, and fulfilling program planned for us this summer! Before I get into the details of our internship from Tuesday through Friday, I would first like to share the calm before the storm - Julie and I's trip to the gorgeous (and HOT) downtown Lawrence on Monday to help shake some of our first day nerves!

South Park's gorgeous gazebo!

Massachusetts Street!

The Douglas County Courthouse

So many unique shops - many of which support local art!

Tuesday, June 7th

Our first official day at the University of Kansas was absolutely amazing. Julie and I were invited to lunch by the entire upper management of KU Dining (mind you there are 22 campus locations)! We had a great time getting to know all of KU Dining's managers, general managers, financial managers, dietitians and assistant directors. Afterwards, Julie and I were lucky enough to meet privately with KU Residential Dining Assistant Director, Sheryl Kidwell, and the new Director of KU Dining, Mark Petrino. In each private meeting, we discussed KU Dining history, current operations, future plans and our expectations of our NACUFS internship. Both Sheryl and Mark are strong leaders for KU Dining and their visions and insights we amazing to hear. 

Wednesday, June 8th

On Wednesday, Julie and I got the grand (on foot) tour of KU Dining's major retail locations among the campus. We visited multiple Jay Breaks, The Underground and KU's newest and exciting building addition: the DeBruce Center. The DeBruce Center is where Dr. James Naismith's Original Rules of Basketball (worth 4 million dollars) are housed! KU Dining also operates their new basketball nutrition center and the Courtside Cafe at the DeBruce Center. KU Dining Retail Assistant Director, Alecia Stultz, then treated us to a delicious lunch! 

James Naismith with his famous peach basket outside of the DeBruce Center!

All about the basketball!

Sorry Julie, that trophy will put you over your luggage weight limit for sure!

Later that afternoon, we met with Mark Maranell, the General Manager of KU Dining's biggest residential hall, Mrs. E's! Wednesday was an exciting day for all!

Thursday, June 9th

Thursday was packed with lots of important meetings. Julie and I were given an overview of KU Dining's CBORD program and the financial management of KU Dining's multimillion dollar operation, all of which was very interesting. Later that day, Julie and I then met with another one of KU Dining's dietitians, Cheryl Wiley, who gave us a very thorough orientation of what to expect on our very first day in the back of the house at Mrs. E's! 

DUN DUN DUUUUN..

Friday, June 10th

Early Friday morning I sure had my work cut out for me! At KU Dining, Christine had told us we were going to follow the flow of food from the beginning, so the beginning means ordering and receiving. I was in Mrs. E's storeroom assisting Judy in their largest Sysco delivery of the week. We were lifting, and shifting, and getting our blood pumping, that's for sure! Later that afternoon, Julie and I had the pleasure to meet with General Manager Jim Schilling at Oliver Dining Hall. We got the scoop on one of the largest renovations being made on campus, which included a newly remodeled Oliver Dining Hall sometime next year. Jim and all of KU Dining is very excited about this new undertaking. We went over the floor and fiscal plans of the project, which where both very interesting to learn about. To end our day, Jim gave us an amazing guided tour of Lawrence himself! It was a great note to end our first week on!

KU and Lawrence have been nothing short of absolutely breathtaking!