Knox College Dining Services Staff Members Work Opening of Obama Presidential Center

Members of the Knox College Dining Services staff received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center this summer. After a dedication ceremony on June 18, the Presidential Center officially opened to the public the following day.

“It didn’t hit me until we got there. I knew it would be a big deal, but going through all the security checks and seeing all the famous people, that’s when it really hits you how big a deal this is,” Sous Chef Anthony Mason said.

The opportunity to work the opening days of the Obama Presidential Center came through the College’s association with Bon Appétit Management Company, which provides dining services for both Knox and the Obama Presidential Center.

“One of our district managers helped them get their operation running, then, knowing they were having a large-scale opening, called me and asked if we had anyone available,” said Knox College General Manager of Dining Services Mitch McCoy. “Luckily for us, it was during a point in the summer when we didn’t have any summer programs starting up, and we could get a good chunk of us to go.”

Former President Obama holds an honorary degree from Knox College and delivered the Commencement address in 2005. President Obama has been a regular visitor to the Knox campus, previously visiting three times.

McCoy was joined by dining services Sous Chefs Rudy Martinez and Anthony Mason and Catering Manager Karissa Soper.

The group traveled to Chicago, then worked four days at the Obama Presidential Center, providing food, drinks, and service for the opening VIP celebration, then operating a hot dog stand for three days during the center's grand opening for the public.

“The first day was all catering little events, and catering for the celebrities coming in,” Martinez said. “I tried to help out as much as I could. It was very large-scale and hard to wrap your head around it with so many things going on. I just focused on two or three things at a time and tried to help out as much as I could.”

After the opening ceremony, the team’s work wasn't done, as tens of thousands of guests came to dance, play, learn, connect, and commit to bringing change during the three-day open house across campus, keeping the workers plenty busy.

“We were there to help out and make sure everyone had a good time and good food, even doing something that sounds simple like running a hot dog stand,” McCoy said. “There were lines for eight hours straight, hundreds of people waiting, but everyone was so happy and gracious to be part of it all. It made you so happy to be part of this and be part of this team.”

“Everyone who came was patient, motivated, and exceeded our expectations,” said Bryan Bruin, Regional Director at Bon Appétit. “The hours were long, but no one complained. We are all so grateful.” 

Despite the early mornings and late nights, the Knox crew enjoyed the experience and the chance to see what effects the new Obama Presidential Center and campus are having while getting experiences few have.

“You can see the immediate impact the Center is having on the community,” Mason said. “You walked around the campus and park area, and people were so happy. They were enjoying themselves; it was really something special to be part of. The staff at the center was very accommodating. We would be on a catering run, and one of the managers would offer to take us up to the eighth floor to show us the skyview, and that was really cool. They know it’s a crazy place to be, so it was great to see that side of it.”