By Bryona Colyar / Jambar Contributor
At 47-years-old, Linda Wittenauer joined Youngstown State University’s food services team. 28-years later she is continuing her service.
Wittenauer currently runs Jamba Juice, a smoothie shop in the lower level of Kilcawley Center. She has been working for the franchise under Chartwells for about 12 years.
Wittenauer is the oldest employee in dining services. Before working at YSU, she earned a degree in cosmetology and became a hairdresser. Wittenauer left the field after getting married and starting a family. When she returned back to the workforce, she found interest in the food services industry.
“I worked over in the food court at YSU as a cashier,” Wittenauer said. “Then I became a floater and learned all the different areas in all different dining areas of YSU, so if there was a call off, they counted on me to be able to go over and run the area for them. I became the lead cashier.”
Wittenauer said working with students is especially rewarding, as student involvement contributes to keeping campus running.
Throughout her career at YSU, Wittenauer has built many connections with students and staff. Wittenauer said she made the most meaningful connections with students and looks forward to connecting with them.
“I imagine my favorite part of the day is when the students all walk by and stop and wave or say ‘Hello.’ Then I know I’ve connected with them properly. I feel like I’m needed and wanted at YSU,” Wittenauer said.
Wittenauer reciprocates this rapport by attending her peers’ events and volunteering in the community. In her free time, she volunteers at the Angels for Animals pet shelter.
For Wittenauer, she is confident and excited for the new chapter of her and YSU’s future. She said she hopes to soon assume an administrative role after all her years of hard work.
“I’m thrilled that they want to have me back. They appreciate how I am with people and how I enjoy people and cultures. I am looking forward to the position they will give me when I return,” Wittenauer said. “I would like to be a coordinator between staff and students.”