Bauck moves on

After one year at Luther, General Manager of Sodexo Dining Services Donna Bauck has announced her plans to leave at the end of this semester.

During her year at Luther, Bauck has been faced with the task of transitioning the college from Luther College dining services to Sodexo.

Under Sodexo, purchasing of local foods has increased, as have the menu options. In addition, the push for sustainability has sustained to reduce food and material waste. However, as with most change, transitioning to Sodexo has not been without its challenges.

Bauck said part of the reason for the upcoming change is to get a fresh outlook on the Sodexo program.

“Every new person is like a new set of eyes,” Bauck said. “I need those eyes that are going to look at the stuff I didn’t see anymore.”

Bauck’s plan is to continue working with Sodexo, but in a location closer to her friends and family. However, Bauck was hesitant to speculate about her future endeavors, keeping her attention on the last few months here at Luther.

“That’s really what my focus is right now,” Bauck said. “Let’s finish this school year the way it should be rather than thinking about the future.”

When asked where she would be placed next year Bauck was vague.

“[I’m] not even thinking about it yet,” Bauck said.

The process of hiring someone for the open position has already begun, and President Richard Torgerson hopes it will be filled by May.

“Luther and Sodexo will collaborate to search for a replacement,” Torgerson said. “Sodexo will identify candidates. Luther will make the decision about who will assume the position following a campus interview process.”

Both Torgerson and Bauck are hoping for a smooth transition into next year.

“The hope is that I will be able to be here and actually work with them for a little bit and transition them in,” Bauck said.

When asked what Donna will miss most about her position at Luther, she quickly began to talk about the students she has worked with, even though it was challenging at times.

“I really am going to miss the students that I’ve met and worked with,” Bauck said. “I’ve just met some really incredible students.”

Even in regards to students who are resistant to Sodexo, Donna remained positive.

“I don’t mind if we disagree on something as long as we’re trying to work towards a common goal,” she said.

Bauck’s departure means another transition for Luther in two years, one of which the college and community will have to wait until next year to see the full effects.

“The hope is that I will be able to be here and actually work with [my replacement] for a little bit and transition them in,” Bauck said.

When asked what Bauck will miss most about her position at Luther, she spoke about the students she has worked with.

“I really am going to miss the students that I’ve met and worked with,” Bauck said. “I’ve just met some really incredible students.”

Even in regards to students who are resistant to Sodexo, Bauck remained positive.

“I don’t mind if we disagree on something as long as we’re trying to work towards a common goal,” she said.

Bauck’s departure means another transition for Luther within two years, and the college and community will have to wait until next year to see its full effects.