Going into Scranton Commons Dining Hall at Bloomsburg University, one of the first things that stands out becomes how busy and social the building can feel. You walk into a wall of cool air, but then the smell of freshly baked pizza surrounds you like a warm blanket. As you continue to walk through, you get more than just one aroma. Whether you catch the smell of roasted corn at the "Local Harvest” station or the freshly charred hamburger at the “Ignite” station, you can always find something to eat. Students walk around choosing between different food stations while others sit at tables talking with friends. The large windows allow natural light into the dining area and give students views of the mountains and trees surrounding campus. Depending on the time of day, the dining hall can sound of conversations, laughter, and dishes clinking together, specifically during lunch and dinner. Scranton Commons serves as not only a place where students get their meals, but also a place where they spend time with friends and become familiar with the people who work here.
One person who knows Scranton Commons better than almost anyone is Chip, who has worked their full time for 30 years. Shorter than the average person, she wears her all-black cooking attire and has a gentle smile that seems to follow her everywhere she goes. She immediately greets you with a soft grin and a "hello" or "how's your day been" at the register as slide your card through the machine, and when the lime green light appears, you continue into the dining hall. Chip originally became involved in the food industry because her family owned a restaurant in Maryland. After the restaurant closed, she moved to Bloomsburg with her husband, Dale. The two eventually began working in the Scranton Commons kitchen, where they prepared fresh foods for the salad bar, including produce, homemade dressings, croutons, and fruit. Over the years, the dining hall has changed. The kitchen no longer prepares as much fresh produce because of expenses and other changes, and the dining hall now purchases food through Sysco. Chip has also seen changes in the way students pay for their meals. Before 2020, students would hand their cards to workers for scanning, while today students scan their own cards at the register.
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| Chip |
Although Chip has experienced many changes during her 30 years at Scranton Commons, the students remain her favorite part of the job. She explained that "the students are like family to her and that she enjoys building relationships with them". Because of these relationships, students have given her the nickname “Momma Chip.” Her connection with students has even led to some memorable moments. For her 75th birthday, a student brought her a cake, and people throughout the dining hall began singing “Happy Birthday” to her. In another memorable moment, Chip was voted Homecoming Queen and was given a crown and sash before riding through town in a pickup truck. These experiences show how employees at Scranton Commons can become more than just workers to students; they can become familiar and important parts of this college community.
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| "Family Dinner" |
Students also have their own reasons for enjoying Scranton Commons. One student shared that they really like the building because of its large windows and views, especially the area known as the PA Room in the back right corner which you can find if you spot the khaki-colored stone wall with large iridescent silver metal letters. The student described it as having a great view of the mountains, especially during the fall when the trees change colors. Another student expressed that their favorite part comes from sitting down for dinner with friends and having what they described as “family dinners” around a long table. The last student beamed about specific meals, such as the “taco salad, pizza, salad bar, and variety of desserts”. One of those desserts included the “soft serve ice cream machine, which has an assortment of toppings to choose from and makes dinner just that more exciting after a long day”. At the same time, another student pointed out some problems, including repetitive food choices, crowded mealtimes, and wanting more healthy options. Even with these complaints, the students noted that the dining hall remains convenient, especially because they live right next door and can easily stop in for a meal.
Scranton Commons also works to have a variety of choices for students. The chefs dressed in their all-black apparel, aprons, and hats provide 14 different dining stations, including vegetarian and vegan options. They also provide accommodations for students with food allergies, including a separate area in the kitchen designed to help prevent cross-contamination. These choices allow students with different dietary needs to find food that works for them. The dining hall has also received recognition for its food and dining experience. According to information about Bloomsburg's dining facilities, Scranton Commons ranks highly among college dining halls and has received recognition for its college food. While awards and rankings may seem impressive, the relationships between students and employees may make the dining hall most memorable.
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| Inside PA Room |
After spending time learning about Scranton Commons and speaking with both staff and students, it became clear that the dining hall offers more than simply eating a meal. Beyond just providing meals, it serves as a place where students meet their friends, relax between classes, enjoy views of the campus, and develop routines during college. For employees like Chip, it can become a place where decades of memories and relationships take place. Her 30 years at Scranton Commons and her nickname, “Momma Chip,” show how strongly employees can become connected to the students they serve. Whether someone stops in for a quick meal, sitting down with friends, or saying hello to a familiar employee, Scranton Commons has become an important part of everyday life at Bloomsburg University.
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