In August 2022, Grebel celebrated Cheri Otterbein’s 32-year career as Food Services Manager at the College! At the heart of Grebel’s kitchen, Cheri played an important part in the university experience for decades of Grebel students. At Cheri’s retirement, Lorie Yantzi shared what Food Services staff have appreciated about Cheri over the years. -Editor
Cheri brought a lot of who she is to the role of manager. She gave more than 100 percent on many days. Not one to sit at her desk for long, she enjoyed being involved with the minute details, moving eight-foot tables by herself, using her collection of tools from her trusty toolbox to fix simple malfunctions, carefully packing a van full of food for the Silver Lake Retreat, helping out with dishes, and sharing her love of yoga with students. She also adhered to strict guidelines for health and safety.
The College grew and changed over 32 years, and Cheri shaped the Food Services Department to accommodate the growth. She created more paid positions and hire more staff, and during periods of renovation, worked endless hours to ensure the kitchen work space and equipment were appropriate and made sense to use and enjoy.
Cheri used her creativity to expand the types of beverages and foods offered. She expanded the menu of grilled cheese, pork chops, meat loaf, and hot dogs and introduced some of the now staples and favourites of the menu—items like nachos, philly steak, and fajitas. She introduced the concept of themed meals and favourite food days and threw herself into decorating the kitchen to match the special holiday.
Cheri took the time to listen to staff when they needed an ear and to celebrate milestones. She showed her care by keeping close tabs on the schedule and tirelessly advocated for kitchen staff salary equity.
For all these things, Cheri—Thank You! You have inspired us with your dedication and commitment. Thank you for your intense involvement through kitchen renovations, your commitment when freezers broke down, when water shut off, for being the first in, early in the morning and covering when staff were not able to work, and ensuring our equipment was working so the job of feeding our students could be done well. We knew you loved to be at work by the happiness and energy you displayed. We will miss you
