Aleyda Castillo was named a winner of a Massachusetts Restaurant Association's Stars of the Industry Award. (Photo by Peter Julian)
Two Boston College Dining Services employees were recognized recently at the Massachusetts Restaurant Association “Stars of the Industry” Awards Gala in their respective job categories: Aleyda Castillo, a dishwasher in Stuart Dining Hall, was a winner and Heraldo Laguerre, a cashier in Carney’s Dining Room, was selected as a finalist.
Thirty employees from eateries around the state were selected and honored at the gala.
“We are very proud of the well-deserved recognition that Aleyda Castillo and Heraldo Laguerre received from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association,” said Director of Dining Services Beth Emery. “They both do great work at their dining locations and are respected members of their team.”
“I couldn’t believe that I was the one getting recognized,” said Castillo, who has worked at BC for 20 years. “I felt like I was at the Grammys; it was my first time at an event like this.”
Heraldo Laguerre was a Stars of the Industry Award finalist in the cashier category. (Photo by Peter Julian)
General Manager of Stuart Dining Hall Sharyl Thompson said that she is “blessed to work with [Castillo]. She is always happy and very appreciative. She has a great heart.”
Laguerre, a BCDS employee for 30 years, was described by McElroy Commons General Manager Michael Forcier as the “ultimate employee.”
“I’m a big star now,” joked Laguerre, whose son flew in from California for the event. “BC is a good place to work. We are one family here.”
Both employees said that they gave a portion of their winnings to their churches.
–Christine Balquist, University Communications