Claudia Wheeler sees every day how her workplace becomes a home away from home for University of Nebraska–Lincoln students, faculty and staff. As a clerical associate with Massengale Dining Service, she helps make the East Union Dining Center a safe space where people build community.
“We all have to eat,” Wheeler said. “This is a respite for a lot of them. I’m just trying to be a friendly face. It really makes their day go by a little easier.”
Wheeler primarily handles payroll and timesheets, invoices and some office inventory ordering. She also works the cash register at the front of the house for a few hours a day.
Originally from the Gulf Coast, Wheeler started working for the university about 20 years ago as a cashier. She then served in catering for several years before beginning her current position. She said she enjoys following students throughout their college careers and seeing them grow. She fondly remembers one student whom she bonded with especially strongly who moved home to Germany, but whom she viewed as another son during his time as a student.
