Greetings from Dennis Pierce, Director of Dining Services

Welcome to the Spring 2009 Semester

Greetings:

As I write this semester’s introduction to UCuisine, we are in the process of preparing for our office relocation. Over the holidays, the main office of Dining Services will be moving to the first floor of Rome Hall, Building D, in South Campus. The necessity of this move stems from the merger of several departments with the Office of Disabilities.

When you are in the process of moving from either office to office, room to room, or relocating across the country, it is an emotional time. Our move is a very positive one, creating an opportunity for new beginnings. As we reorganize our department we will be relocating several other Dining Service’s offices so that our core services will reside in South Complex. I had referenced this as an emotional experience because after gathering many memories in the form of pictures, menus, and paraphernalia collected after twenty-two years, I find myself sentimental as I travel through the history of Dining Services. I recall past theme meals, employees that have since retired, and all of the great times spent working with students and the UConn community, providing a host of dining options to meet everyone’s needs. As I look back, I remember hosting President Clinton at the Dodd dedication, catering to several Heads of State, celebrating inaugurations, catering athletic successes, and just providing day-to-day sustenance so that students could achieve their academic goals, preparing them for their life long careers.

So how do we enter into the era of “new beginnings” and move forward through our transition? We do it through your help. As we all have become enthralled with the culinary arts while watching shows on the Food Network, dining on college campuses has followed suit to be creative with our offerings. While most are not aware, we cater to individual student’s dietary needs due to allergies and dietary requests. While appearing to be a large department we have the ability to work with students one-on-one to meet a diverse variety of dietary needs. Communication is important to us. If we are not aware of how we are not meeting your expectations, it is difficult for us to provide the dining options that you require. To accomplish this goal we are eager to receive feedback through our website. We also currently meet with representatives from the student Resident Area Association to listen to their concerns and requests. In addition, our dining surveys demonstrate that we are achieving our goals but as my predecessor always said, “You are only as good as your last meal served.” So, feel free to contact us and share with us your thoughts.

Lastly, to keep in touch with Dining and the services we offer, please utilize this guidebook, our UCuisine. If one is not available, you can find all of our information on our website: www.dining.uconn.edu. Your dining experience has to be a memorable one while at UConn or we have failed to meet your expectations.

Eat well, enjoy life and pursue your dreams.

C. Dennis Pierce
Director of Dining Services

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