Meet Michigan State University Alumni
Christine Polk
By Michelle Thomas, Senior Manager, Diversity Recruitment

Tell us about your background. I was born and raised in Long Beach, California, but after high school, I decided to leave sunny California and move across the country to attend Michigan State University, where I majored in Hospitality Business. I have always had a passion for the hospitality industry, and Michigan State is ranked in the top 5 for hospitality programs. Attending this school was an obvious choice to get into the industry and to get a leg up on the competition.

Additionally, student leadership opportunities at Michigan State are second to none. It was here that I was first introduced to The National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH), the premier professional organization for hospitality students. During my senior year, I served as chapter president and eventually moved on to a leadership position on the national board. To learn more about Christine click here.

Sodexo Plans Second Life Virtual Career Fair — No shoes, no shirt, no problem!
By Kerry Noone, Marketing Communications Specialist

That’s right, you don’t have to worry about what you are going to wear to this job interview because no one is going to see you…technically, that is. On February 11, 2008, Sodexo will once again host a virtual career fair on Second Life, a 3-D virtual world. So, while you can come to this interview without shoes, you might want to make sure your Avatar – a virtual you – is dressed appropriately and knows how to walk and talk inside the Second Life virtual world. To learn more click here.

Land Your Dream Job with Sodexo at the Upcoming NSMH National Conference
By Michelle Thomas, Senior Manager, Diversity Recruitment

Once again, Sodexo is a proud sponsor of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitalities (NSMH) National Conference. NSMH is the premier organization for minority hospitality college students in the nation. This year the conference will be held February 21-24, 2008 in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and promises to be bigger and better than ever. The weekend will be filled with exciting workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities.

One key highlight of the event is that Sodexo will be making on-the-spot job offers to highly qualified students during the career fair. There are more than 200 entry-level management and internships opportunities available. Positions run the gamut from chefs, food service and catering managers to engineers, environmental services and marketing managers. The opportunities are limitless. To learn more click here.

Sodexo Partners with San Francisco State University to Sponsor their Premier Hospitality Fundraising Event — Taste of the Bay
By Myra Rosa, Senior Recruiter

In its continuous effort to strengthen and to build a long-term relationship with San Francisco State University (SFSU), Sodexo co-sponsored Taste of the Bay, which took place at the beautiful and scenic St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California this past November. Taste of the Bay is a student-run fundraising event organized by three of the school’s hospitality management organizations, which include the Hospitality Management Society, National Society of Minorities in Hospitality and Club Managers Association of America. The main purpose of this stellar event is to raise funds for scholarships and program needs for future leaders in the hospitality industry. To learn more click here.

Lexington College Scholarship Benefit Supported by Sodexo
By Jeanne Strassburger, Senior Recruiter

On October 25, 2007, Sodexo , along with several food service and hospitality companies throughout the nation, was a proud sponsor of the Lexington College annual Building Scholarships for Service fundraising dinner. Lexington College is a leading women's hospitality management college located in Chicago, Illinois. The College grants a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Hospitality Management and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Hospitality Management. Because of the college’s stellar reputation for producing topnotch industry professionals and Sodexo ’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, supporting this worthwhile event seemed only natural. To learn more click here.

Sodexo Foundation Opens Nominations for STOP Hunger Scholarships

Deadline is February 29, 2008; Awardees to Be Announced in May

In a program to recognize and reward students working to end hunger in the United States, the Sodexo Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 2008 STOP Hunger Scholarships.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in any accredited education institution (kindergarten through graduate school) in the United States and be able to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to hunger-relief activities in their community. Up to five students will each receive a $3,000 scholarship award and a $3,000 grant in their name for the hunger-related charity of their choice. These will be presented to them on June 11, 2008 at the Sodexo Foundation Dinner in Washington, D.C. To learn more click here.

Sodexho’s Campus Dining Program at Northwestern University Recognized as “Most Vegan-Friendly” in America

Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. has been named the “most vegan-friendly college” in America by PETA2, the student arm of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, in recognition of the extensive number of dining options provided for people who eat vegetarian or vegan diets. Sodexo offers a diverse set of menu options to Northwestern, 17 percent of which are vegetarian or vegan.

“Our move to provide a wide range of vegan and vegetarian selections at Northwestern was a direct response to increased student demand,” said Paul Komelasky, District Manager for Sodexo Campus Dining at Northwestern University. “The ultimate goal is to serve a robust and flavorful selection of dining options for people, including those who choose to live a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.” To learn more click here.