Today: Mar 29, 2024

North Campus Marketplace renamed Roberta’s

Tamonda GriffithsNews Writer

Walking into North Campus Midrise students may notice the smell of freshly baked cookies drawing them into the dormitory’s shop.

Once inside, students see it is not just the sweet treat that draws them in, but the shop’s employee herself.

Formally known as the ‘North Campus Market’, the shop has officially been renamed ‘Roberta’s,’ after its employee of 28 years, Roberta Read.

“She’s the sweetest woman in the world,” said Nate Scaniffe, a senior, history major and North Campus Midrise resident adviser. “I would hate my job here if she wasn’t here.”

Read said she knew the renaming was going to take place, but it did not really phase her. She said what got to her was the number of people who came to the official renaming ceremony.

Alexandra Morgan- Macauda, the marketing manager for Chartwells residential dining, said the sign had been up since September, but it was “hugely important” to find a time when people could show support.

“Honestly, the students called it Roberta’s that’s why we call it Roberta’s,” said Macauda.

Roberta is the “main aspect” of why students come to the shop, she said.

Juan Dominguez, former resident district manager of Chartwells, said when he heard the ceremony would be taking place, he “couldn’t miss this this for a million dollars.”

According to Dominguez, about two or three years ago he started the initiative to rename the shop ‘Roberta’s.’

“We proposed it to the school based on students,” said Dominguez.

He said students had made Roberta an integral part of their lives and found the name ‘North Campus Market,’ to be “cold.”

Resident adviser and clinical mental health council graduate, Lauren Gingras, said she had met Roberta recently as this year was her first year living in the North Campus Midrise.

“I instantly kind of clicked with her,” said Gingras.

She said she spends every Thursday morning doing shipment inventory with Roberta, who brings Gingras breakfast as well.

Gingras said this almost brings her to tears every time.

Caitlyn Saxon, pre-med biology graduate and RA, said what drew her to ‘Roberta’s’ was the cookies and her care for each individual student and staff member.

“She remembers all of our names, which is unreal,” said Saxon.

Read said she does so much for the students and staff because she enjoys it.

“It’s just the kids,” said Read. “They keep me going.”

Photo Credit: Tamonda Griffiths

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