Saying Goodbye to “Momma” By: Clarissa DelRio Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of thetimesweekly.com
When we encounter someone for so long who genuinely cares and has nothing but pure intentions for us, the thought of having to say goodbye is something that we undoubtedly dread. In light of her retirement after over four decades of service to USF and the community, I had the bittersweet pleasure of interviewing one of USF’s most iconic staff members, Diane Reed. However, to most of us students, we know her as “Miss Diane” or “Momma” due to her nurturing manner, genuine love, compassion and care for students. Miss Diane has welcomed students with open arms and a listening ear for every one of us who has stopped by the cafeteria, leaving not only our bodies nourished but our souls as well. For that, we thank you. Miss Diane will be officially retiring on October 30th, 2020. How long have you’ve been a staff member at the university? “Actually I came here in 1977 with the nuns at the Motherhouse and when they closed down through the University then I came here to the University of St. Francis. So with the nuns it was about 25 years and in total with my time here at St. Francis it has been a total of about 45+ years.” What made you want to work for this organization/university? “Before I came here at the Motherhouse with the nuns, and my mom worked there. So my mom brought me in as she was the head cook there running the kitchen. She brought me in as her assistant cook and I’ve been there ever since. My mom of course eventually passed away and I stayed with the nuns and when the nuns left I came to the University. I was a part of the trade over for the Motherhouse and all that. Me and Mike Decman and a couple of us [staff members] all came from the Motherhouse together.” What roles and responsibilities were you in charge of during your position through Sodexo/Quest? “I was the Catering Supervisor, when the bistro opened I was the manager there, and I’ve done the banking for Sodexo, I did so much! I’ve done pretty much everything from catering, banking, to now cashiering, so I’ve done pretty much all of it.” Was it a tough decision leaving this job? “It really was. It has taken me three years to really come to terms with it. I’ve been retiring for three years but now I’ve finally set a date. It’s hard because this is my second home. [However,] because of my age and my health and it’s just that time.”
What are the next steps for you after USF? “Grandkids! I got a couple of great-grandkids too so I’m very excited about that.” What could convince you to stay? She laughs and says, “I mean… nothing. I think this is it. But if I did stay it would be for the students. That would be the only reason. [Aside from that] I’m done!” What was your happiest experience at USF? “The students. I love interacting with them. Some of them it’s their first time away from home ever and they needed somebody to reach out to and I was always happy to be able to be that person that was there for them. I got a lot of children [here at USF]. That’s how I got to become, ‘Momma.’” If you had the chance to alter one thing about your job, what would that be? “That’s a tough one… With my position really nothing. I’ve been happy since I’ve been here. I’ve been satisfied with my position. I can’t think of anything I would change!” A food item/s from the cafeteria you will miss dearly? “Soft serve ice cream! That one was easy!” What message would you give the person taking your place in this organization? “Try to learn from the students. Just realize and understand that we are here for them. They’re not here for us, we are here for them.” What will you miss the most after leaving USF? “My students! It’s all about the students here! I’m not gonna miss working, I'm going to miss you guys… You’re getting me emotional now… But yes, the students. My children. My babies. I’m going to miss them so much. I’ve got to keep focused though because if I don’t, I’ll back out again as I did before! This is the third time that I’ve said I was going to retire and I ended up not going. But, I’m ready this time.”
usfencounter.stfrancis.edu
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