ACU students turned the tables and held a potluck for Dining Services employees to show students’ appreciation for their hard work on Nov. 16.

Last year, Residence Assistants and residents of Nelson and McDonald Halls served employees desserts to show their appreciation.

“My hall in Nelson came up with the idea that we needed to serve the people who serve us everyday,” said Courtney Martin junior youth and family ministry major from New Braunfels and Nelson R.A.

This year, the Dining Services Appreciation Night expanded to try and include members from every dorm and also included the Beyond31 movement.

As part of the Beyond31 movement, members often participate in service projects. This opportunity to serve coincided with the end of the White T-shirt Revolution and many Beyond31 members volunteered,” Martin said.

Rebekah Perry, junior youth and family ministry and missions major from San Antonio and Nelson Hall R.A., helped plan the event. Perry said volunteers sent out invitations to Dining Services employees who were also encouraged to bring their families.

Students cooked and ate a meal with the employees and their families in the Campus Living Room. Some students also told stories and expressed their gratitude directly to the employees.

“It was a great success, and it was so awesome getting to serve them and getting to know the people who we encounter daily,” Perry said. “It’s a great way to show our appreciation for all that they do.”

Martin said Thomas Arrellano, Senior Food Service Director, closed the Bean early on Friday to give employees a chance to attend the dinner.

“He was really great to work with because he really wanted the workers to be honored,” Martin said.

Paula Neujahr, Food Service Director, said Dining Services employees were excited and honored to be served dinner.

“For me, it spoke volumes,” Neujahr said. “It just goes to show you the caliber of students that ACU attracts. This is my first year at ACU and even though I’ve been in the food management business for 20 plus years, this is the first time that the people I serve, at 120 percent everyday, gave back. How thoughtful and admirable.”

Both Martin and Perry said they expect Dining Services Appreciation Night to happen again next year.

“We really hope to make it an annual thing,” Martin said. “This second year went great, and it’s something I really would like to continue being a part of.”