Metz Culinary Management has been serving the students, faculty, and staff members of Houghton University since 2017. Since then, Metz has continued to innovate and find ways to better serve those groups with various forms of food to help them meet the nutritional needs that working in a higher-education setting requires. Although the menus and experiences have
developed over time, there remains one constant part of the Metz dining experience at Houghton– the face at the front desk.

Since Metz took over dining operations in 2017, Pam has been the first face people see when they walk up the stairs to the dining hall to scan their ID for meals. Additionally, it is worth noting that Pam’s time at Houghton goes all the way back to 2009. With almost 15 years of experience and wisdom, each person that passes by the desk can experience the smile and friendly greeting of Pam that suddenly wipes away any anxieties or worries.

Often, however, it seems Pam’s ability to be a resource tends to go largely unnoticed by the
people at Houghton University due to just scanning and passing by. “Pam has always just been a
great conversationalist. From when I was a freshman until the present, I’ve always been able to
talk with her, and especially as a freshman two years ago, that made a big difference and helped
with me getting comfortable at Houghton. She honestly [is] such a good person and I wish more
people would stop and talk with her because she’s a great person with plenty of stories to share”
said junior student Joseph Schmidt.

It's not just the people at Houghton University that can benefit from a conversation with Pam.
When asked about the favorite part of her job she responded “Seeing all the students has to be
the favorite part of my job. Getting to be around all the young kids and talking to them is what
keeps me here.” The mutual benefit of interaction is clear from the very first moment of stepping
into the dining hall.

Often, especially during the winter months, Pam spends her downtime at the desk crocheting
some new mittens or a hat to help herself and others stay warm. This is especially important
since she walks to work every day, which she enjoys every bit of, despite the harsh winters of
Western New York. Besides crocheting and other arts and crafts being her favorite hobbies, she
spends a lot of time outside work shopping for antique figures and trinkets at the local shop.
Pam is clearly someone who is passionate about her job as a greeter, however, that does not rule
her out of trying new things within the Metz employment options at Houghton. “I would not
mind trying the front of house job” said Pam. Essentially, front of house is responsible for
refilling silverware, drinks, cups, and ice at the drink machines.

Pam’s heart for serving others and Metz as a worker is clear with her long tenure. She takes the
initiative to connect with others and is passionate about coming to work each day, traits that are
sometimes rare to find. Ultimately, many people at Houghton agree that some of the best experiences of Metz dining at Houghton doesn’t start with the food, it starts with the greeter, Pam.