Cathy Gronland, a lead food service worker at the Hoagie Hutt in the Memorial Union, was selected to receive the prestigious Mary McCannel Gunkelman Recognition Award. She was honored during a ceremony April 14 in the NDSU Alumni Center.
“I’m overwhelmed. I’m just amazed, but I’m just doing my job,” said Gronland. “I really enjoy the students. I love them – that’s why I’m here. I never expected this.”
The annual award was established in 1987 to recognize the student or employee who has made the most significant and unselfish contributions to creating a happy environment for the enjoyment of NDSU students. Gronland was lauded for her rapport with students and her efforts to create a friendly environment for workers and customers.
In a letter of nomination, student Theekshana Jayakody called Gronland “the most cheerful person working in the Union Dining Center.”
In another nomination letter, Dining Services employee Mary Marto wrote Gronland attends student activities, and often posts photographs of the events on the bulletin board in her area. “She rewards her students for attendance/excellent work ethics by holding a drawing. She contributes the money for the drawing that the students win,” Marto wrote.
Gronland was selected from a group of 30 nominees. Others considered for the honor include Judith Ary, senior lecturer of health, nutrition and exercise sciences; student Jace Beehler; Mary Bradshaw, Union Dining Center; Letha Cattanach, Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science; Tammy Cummings, Information Technology Services; Dana Davis, College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences; Linda Dearinger, Union Dining Center; Edward Deckard, professor of plant science; Marilyn Dowdy, Office of International Programs; student Emily Eltgroth; Judy Erikson, Office of Admission; Faysal Fahs, lecturer of agribusiness and applied economics; Linda Granrud, Market Place Grill; student Lauren Hedman; Pamela Hommen, College of University Studies; Sarah Hunter, Sevrinson Hall director; Norma Kiser-Larson, associate professor of nursing; Ronda Klubben, Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences; Becky Loney, Residence Life; Bradley Mohs, Thompson Hall director; Carol Nelson, School of Education; Laura Oster-Aaland, Orientation and Student Success; Priscilla Schlenker, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Bo Severson, Residence Life custodial supervisor; Michele Sherman, Department of English; Milka Singha, Department of Civil Engineering; Shelly Swandal, Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics; Gene Wagner, Residence Life custodian; and Alan Zuk, assistant professor of plant sciences.
