BU Employees Receive Free Lunch

Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Rachel Hendrick.

Bluefield University employees can now eat free lunch in the cafeteria, and they are excited about the opportunity to engage with students and create meaningful connections.

At the beginning of August, Bluefield University employees were informed that they would be receiving free lunch starting this semester. BU President Steve Peterson’s decision to provide lunch excited many employees. 

“We wanted to show our employees that we value them in a practical manner,” Dr. Peterson said. “Providing lunch reduces stress, eases financial pressures, and encourages more interaction among our faculty, staff, and student body.”

Kevin Rosney, director of BU’s food services, agreed that providing free lunch to BU employees is a great way to “show appreciation.” Madison Whisman from the BU Admissions Office called free lunch “a huge benefit.”

“Offering free meals encourages faculty and staff to dine on campus more often, which also creates more opportunities to engage with students,” Whisman said. “Overall, I believe this fosters a more positive campus environment and is a very welcome addition.”

Wayne Pelts, assistant director of the Academic Center for Excellence and Careers (ACEC), shared his excitement about the decision.

“It gives the BU faculty and staff more opportunities to be around our students and each other,” Pelts said, “and it’s free food. How can that not be great?”

Pelts also shared his appreciation to those who made this decision happen: “Well done to all those who were a part of this great idea.”

Rebecca McCoy-Reese of the Theatre Department shared, “I think it’s amazing. It’s very helpful to have this resource available.”

Overall, this new decision for Bluefield University employees to eat lunch free seems to be appreciated by almost everyone.

“Here’s to the great ice cream in the cafeteria,” Pelts added.