For more than 17 years, Darlett Bernard has been bringing hot food 鈥� and a warm smile
鈥� to students, employees and guests on 贬补谤辫别谤鈥檚 campus.
As the catering supervisor for , Darlett is an ever-moving presence on campus, pushing a cart of food to an event in Building W at one moment and leading meal-delivering student workers through the hallways of Building L the next. For her years of hard work and quality of service to 91制片厂, she is the first recipient of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Excellence in Service Award.
鈥淚鈥檓 so grateful. I never thought I would be honored for the work that I do, the work I love to do,鈥� Darlett said. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of myself. I try my best. I walk people to their events. I want them to be satisfied. And I know they appreciate what I鈥檓 doing here.鈥�
贬补谤辫别谤鈥檚 Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will present Darlett with this award, which recognizes an employee who excels at service with a personal touch, at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, noon-1 p.m. January 31 in the Wojcik Conference Center Amphitheater, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. The annual event will include a keynote speaker, songs and dance, followed by a soul food reception. All are welcome.
Although her work keeps her busy, Darlett never hesitates to stop and talk with fellow employees or help a student get to where they need to go. After all, she may know the campus as well as anybody.
鈥淚 get to interact with everyone on campus,鈥� she said when discussing her favorite aspects of 91制片厂, where she began as a server in 2006. 鈥淧eople here are welcoming too. When they see me coming, with hot food, they appreciate it. Food brings people together. I like to see the happiness it brings them. That鈥檚 why I love catering.鈥�
When Darlett learned about her award from Dr. Tamara A. Johnson, vice president of
DEI, she was surprised. But it鈥檚 unlikely to surprise anyone else at 91制片厂 that Darlett
is being honored. Reflecting on her years of service to 91制片厂, she shared some advice
that has guided her work.
鈥淏e a friendly face and be on time. I鈥檓 never late,鈥� Darlett said, smiling. 鈥淏e open to changes. If someone wants something a certain way, make it better for them.鈥�