229-333-2157 September 26, 2011
11-160
Communications Specialist
Debbie Conrad: Catering to VSU's Success
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VALDOSTA -- Deborah “Debbie” Conrad has observed Valdosta State
University’s catering department evolve into an elite dining
service over the past two decades.
“When I first came to the college, catering was pretty basic,” she
said. “We only served food in Palms Dining Center then. From Palms
to the University Center and then the Student Union, catering has
expanded and continues to expand. We now have catering vehicles and
not only serve the university, but several schools, businesses and
organizations in the community.”
Conrad initially worked as an assistant to the director of dining
from 1984 to 1990. She then moved to Europe with her husband, a
retired airman in the U.S. Air Force, for three years. She returned
to then-Valdosta State College in 1993 as an administrative
secretary in dining, and quickly advanced to director of catering.
She has served as director for 18 years.
Conrad oversees planning for events that include catering services,
maintains the catering budget and manages the schedules for chefs,
dining staff and student servers. Events range from basic breakfast
and coffee service to cookouts and black tie dinners.
“Because every event is unique, every day on the job is different,
exciting and challenging in some way. In catering, our world
changes with a phone call.”
Conrad’s dedication and commitment to providing quality dining
services for the university and community were recently rewarded
when she received the 2011 Excellence in Service for Classified
Staff award at this year’s convocation.
“To me, the award really validates where I am in my career. I was
surprised to be nominated and chosen for this award. I really care
about the VSU administration, faculty, staff and students, and to
know that they appreciate the work that I do is an honor. I’ve
lived all over with my husband being in the military, but Valdosta
has become my home and the VSU community has become a part of my
family.”
Conrad said that she is proud of several accomplishments in her
career, but she is most proud of the impact her job has on the
students she works with daily.
“The students who work in catering and dining services get
firsthand knowledge of how to oversee events, deal with dignitaries
and business leaders and take initiative. No matter where they go
in life, they can always apply what they learn from working here.
The experience really opens their eyes to another side of
campus.”
Conrad said she plans to continue to evolve with the campus as it
grows.
“It has been a wild ride, but catering never stops. I’m prepared to
face the challenges that come with growth and interesting to see
the direction in which catering moves at VSU.”
