‘Resilience, dedication, care’
The spring semester got off to a wintry start, with two Boston College snow days—most recently February 23—that shut down many campus operations. But no matter the weather, students know they can depend on a warm meal served up with a side of comfort, thanks to BC Dining Services.
BCDS' commitment is particularly evident on snow days, when staff sleep over on cots and makeshift beds to ensure that dining halls remain open. But the depth of their dedication is revealed in the day-to-day: through friendly greetings, remembered breakfast orders, and a constant presence that welcomes students even when life gets tough.
It’s how BCDS makes campus feel like home, said Director of Dining Services Beth Emery.
“We take immense pride in being the team that shows up to keep students and the BC community fed.”
Associate Vice President for Auxiliary Services Pat Bando uses “resilience, dedication, and care” as the top three words to describe BCDS’ work and commitment.
“Rain, sleet, snow, wind, or community emergency have never stopped our BCDS kitchens from providing the delicious and nutritious meals that our campus community seeks out. Our kitchens continue to be ‘homes away from home’ for on-campus residents,” said Bando.
BC Dining Services staff members from left: Newton Campus General Manager Brian Pinarreta; Lois Kass, first cook at Corcoran Commons, and Brookline Campus Assistant Manager Donna Coleman.
Many students, particularly those in their first year, are accustomed to eating meals at home and with family members. Eating in a large dining hall with a lot of new people can feel overwhelming, said Associate Director of Restaurant Operations Rebecca Rogan.
“As time goes on, what becomes familiar is your favorite person making your omelet, or the cashier who takes time to say ‘Hi’ as you’re checking out. Our staff enjoy being there for students and recognize that the ritual of having a meal signals a time to connect with family and friends.”
That’s special on a college campus, said Miles Ciani-Smith ’28, who was greatly impressed by the performance of BCDS during the recent February blizzard. “The amazing staff showed up as if it were any other day, making sure students were taken care of with warm meals and the same kindness they show every day. It means a lot to have a place on campus that brings people together, and BC Dining really creates that sense of family.
“And honestly, it’s a pretty great family when they’re making amazing omelets and croissants!”
Corcoran Commons First Cook Lois Kass has gotten to know thousands of students like Ciani-Smith over her 26 years of working in Dining Services. Seeing and talking to them every day is her favorite part of the job.
“The students are just so friendly! They always take the time to ask how my day is going, which really makes you feel appreciated,” said Kass. “You get to watch them grow, hear what they’re going through, and see their faces light up when the meal is something they love, like chicken tikka. By the time they graduate, it’s like watching my own kids go off into the world.”
Like Kass, 25-year veteran Brookline Campus Assistant Manager Donna Coleman says that what she enjoys most is the students’ youthful vibrancy and watching them grow.
“Our interactions are genuine and heartfelt because for a lot of students, we’re like their mom or dad or uncle or aunt,” Coleman explained. “We get to be an adult presence that they feel comfortable with, and dining halls are a comfortable space. Food brings people together.
“They come in as freshmen, and watching them throughout the years, especially our student employees, you see them mature. I’m so proud of them.”
“ Rain, sleet, snow, wind, or community emergency have never stopped our BCDS kitchens from providing the delicious and nutritious meals that our campus community seeks out. Our kitchens continue to be ‘homes away from home’ for on-campus residents. ”
BCDS creates a nurturing atmosphere where students feel supported to ask for help or advice when they need it, and being a trusted adult is key to that sense of stability, added Coleman.
“Establishing relationships with students makes them open to voicing opinions respectfully and letting us know when they need or want something. Without that relationship, they wouldn’t feel comfortable doing that.”
Newton Campus General Manager Brian Pinarreta echoed a similar sentiment, describing BC dining halls as welcoming, reliable spaces—especially on fierce winter days—where students can take a breath, find comfort, and feel connected to the BC community.
“The presence of our staff, many of whom students see every day, adds to that feeling of reassurance,” explained Pinarreta, who has worked in BC Dining for nearly 25 years.
What makes the relationships Pinarreta and colleagues like Kass and Coleman build with students truly special is how they endure, he noted—often continuing long after graduation.
“During reunions, former student employees will return to our dining halls asking about the staff and managers they worked with over the years. They remember the mentorship, the camaraderie, and the sense of belonging they felt while working with us. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact our work can have.”
Summing up, Pinarreta said, “Being part of everyday moments is what makes working in dining truly meaningful. These interactions build trust and reinforce the sense of community that defines Boston College.”