Food Services Manager Dianne Cofer, the driving force behind Algonquin’s cafeteria, is retiring after more than 20 years of dedicated work, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, friendliness and a strong sense of belonging.
Cofer began work at Algonquin in 2001 as a part-time cafeteria worker, but over time, her role has changed considerably. Her position expanded in 2006 when she became a manager, and then grew again in 2017 to include her managerial responsibilities in a director-like role. Planning the menu, preparing the food, ordering ingredients and maintaining nutritional standards were among her primary responsibilities.
“It’s a balancing act—meeting nutritional guidelines while making meals students actually enjoy,” Cofer said.
Principal Sean Bevan emphasized the values Cofer promoted along with her dependability.
“What I’ll miss about her is just her work ethic and her everyday reliability to do her best to help kids have a nutritious and delicious lunch every day and snacks every day,” Bevan said.
Bevan complimented Cofer for creating a friendly atmosphere and referred to the cafeteria as “its own ecosystem.”
“The building changes over time,” Bevan said. “Probably the most stable and predictable element of a building is the adults who stay there year, after year, after year and we’re lucky when it’s the right adults. Ms. Cofer has been the right adult for a long time.”
For Cofer, interacting with students was the most fulfilling aspect of her work.
“It’s really nice when you hear the students come up and they’re like, ‘Oh, this is my favorite lunch,’” Cofer said. “It’s affirmation that you’re doing something right.”
Cofer leaves behind a well-run kitchen as she retires to concentrate on her family, spending more time with her grandson and taking care of her elderly mother.
“I hope the lunches left a good impression—not just ‘school food,’ but meals that looked nice and were enjoyable,” Cofer said.
Cofer’s leadership established the tone for a friendly and encouraging workplace. Cafeteria worker Jill Araujo highlighted Cofer’s commitment and generosity.
“I consider her a very good friend and a good person, and she was always just so kind to the staff,” Araujo said.
Cafeteria worker Tellisa Cardillo, who works in the Corner Cafe, praised Cofer’s distinct leadership style.
“She’s not one of those [bosses] that sits in the back office and says ‘I don’t have to do anything,’” Cardillo said. “She listens to your opinion and your concerns, and then she tries very hard to correct that, and she does.”
Cofer’s services go beyond her regular responsibilities, according to Bevan.
“It’s not like an architect who builds a building or an engineer builds a bridge,” Bevan said. “It’s something a little bit harder to define, but I think about the culture of that big room and the women and men who work there. That’s, I think, her legacy and I think it will last for some time.”
Gina Sae So, who has a background in the food industry, is taking over the position. Sae So’s experience in event organizing and hotel employment has prepared her for the multiple responsibilities of cafeteria management. Sae So credits her understanding of the value of organization in managing a successful business to Cofer.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned from Ms. Cofer is organization,” Sae So said. “She has had her own influence… All I can aim for is to live up to it and add my own unique touch to the kitchen.”
Sae So intends to take her time adjusting to her new position while building on Cofer’s accomplishments.
“Currently, I want to establish a routine and get comfortable in the role before considering any major changes,” Sae So said.
More than anything, Cofer will miss the students she sees every day.
“I think the best part is just interacting with students and seeing the students… there are some you just connect with, and they’re funny,” Cofer said.
