Presto named director of year
Susan Presto, Director of Dining Services, was named Food Service Director of the Year at ARAMARK's regional conference last month in Myrtle Beach. Presto, who came to Furman in April 2001 but has worked for ARAMARK since 1982, was chosen among 75 candidates from the Carolinas and Virginia.

"The whole event was an incredible experience, and it was wonderful to be recognized," said Presto, who was also recognized earlier this year by the Association of Furman Students as Administrator of the Year.

The award-winning director said, "In the food service business, you are only as good as your last meal served, so communication is key. We really try to keep in touch with the university's needs."

Presto says that regular meetings with student groups, such as AFS and the residence hall advisors, help her stay in tune with student life.

 

Staff rafting trip to be held August 12
Members of the administrative staff are invited to participate in a university-sponsored rafting trip to the Nantahala River on Monday, August 12. The trip is similar to one held in the summer of 2000.

Buses will leave campus at 7:30 a.m. and return around 6 p.m. The university will pay the transportation and rafting costs; staff members will pay for their own mid-day meal at a local steak house. The Nantahala, located in Bryson City, N.C., offers fun for those seeking a relaxing day in a five- to six-person raft, or more thrills and excitement in a speedy one- or two-person kayak known as a "ducky."

Staff members who were unable to take part in the first trip will be assigned the first spots, but all staff are invited. The day will be counted as a day of vacation for those who participate.

E-mail Owen McFadden, Director of Recreational Sports, to reserve your spot. Please specify if you would prefer a ducky or raft.

 

Mark your calendars
The university community is invited to attend the fourth annual ice cream social behind Daniel Dining Hall August 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. Ice cream, sundaes, "fixins" and soft drinks will be provided. A karaoke machine and disc jockey will also be on hand to provide entertainment.

 

Bender named grants coordinator
Aynoka Bender has joined the Development Office as grants coordinator. In September 2001, she joined Furman's Marketing and Public Relations Office through a special internship sponsored by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

She wrote articles for the news service and university publications and helped to plan Furman's Intranet. In the spring, she moved to the Development Office to assist Sheila Manchester in grants administration.

With a B.A. degree from Howard University in communications-journalism and an M.S. from the University of Tennessee in communications-public relations, Bender has more than 15 years of experience as an editor, researcher and writer.

She will assist faculty and staff in researching funding sources for university programs and projects and in preparing and editing grant proposals, as well as helping to maintain the Grants Web site.

(Compiled by Kyle Snipes, marketing and public relations intern)