NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) Catering and Bakery teams are responsible for preparing food for a variety of campus events, ranging from large grill-outs to formal luncheons and receptions. The team, consisting of three full-time cooks, part-time staff, and student workers, manages a significant workload daily.

Executive Chef Mitch Vervalen explained the kitchen’s organizational system, which relies on detailed work orders to keep track of tasks. “This is the heart of the UND Catering operation,” Vervalen said. “We can see our whole day right here. This is how we keep everyone on task, and how I try to stay two steps ahead of these guys to keep everything moving.”

Vervalen emphasized the importance of preparation: “First, we work on getting all of today’s orders out of the way so we can focus on prepping for the next day — or next two days if time permits,” he said. “We’re always thinking ahead and getting as much of the next day’s orders as oven-ready as we can and then staged on carts in the cooler. So when it’s even busier tomorrow, we still can keep everything working like clockwork.”

UND Catering Manager Andrea Green highlighted teamwork within the group. “Everyone has a job to do, but we all help each other out,” Green said. “That’s the only way we can get everything done and out on time.”

Director of UND Dining Services Orlynn Rosaasen praised the staff's performance: “I always can count on this team to get the job done. They don’t need any supervision or direction from me,” Rosaasen said. “I may be a little biased, but I think we have the top catering and bakery team in the entire region. The food they produce, the presentation and the customer service are all second to none.

“And this isn’t even their biggest day. I’ve seen them juggle 20 different events going on all over campus. The organization it takes to pull that off is absolutely amazing. They’re not only preparing a ton of top-quality food on time, they also need to make sure it all gets packed up and going to the right place. They do that every day, and they do it with a smile.”

Bakery Manager Caylie Salge described her dedication: “I don’t mind the hours because I absolutely love my job. It’s 100% passion for me,” Salge said. “I’m one of those weirdos who can talk about the difference between baking soda and baking powder for half an hour.” She added about teamwork: “We’re definitely a big family down here. Everybody kind of plays their role, but we do a lot of joking around,” Salge said.

Recognition for staff members comes both informally through notes among colleagues and formally through awards such as UND’s Meritorious Service Award received by Green last year.

UND Catering has also been recognized with Gold and Bronze Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards in 2022 and 2023 for its online catering menu from the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS). In addition, UND Dining Services earned a Silver Loyal E. Horton Dining Award this year for its Student Leadership Program.

Green noted her appreciation for student workers: “One of my favorite parts of the job is working with all of the students,” she said.

Vervalen spoke about student development in their roles: “It’s rewarding to see how much they learn and grow independently after working in this environment. On Day One, you’re holding their hand and showing them everything, but after four years, they’re doing things without any direction.”

Students like Kari Knable described gaining practical experience across various dining operations at UND as part of their internships.

Other students cited flexible scheduling and tuition assistance as key benefits while noting positive workplace culture fostered by humor among staff members.

Amelia Acker shared her perspective as a new student manager: “I love being able to confidently go out there and say, ‘Yeah, I did this. I was part of setting up this beautiful event,’” Acker said. “I’m learning how to take charge in difficult situations and how to direct people in an assertive, but very kind way. I know I’m going to go into the world with more confidence than I would have if I didn’t have this leadership position.”

Veteran Catering Supervisor Karen Bushaw confirmed that many students report similar growth during their time with UND Catering.