All About Pam Craig in Cyclone Dining

She’s the friendly cashier you’re likely to see when you check into Cyclone Dining. Pam has worked with Cyclone Dining for 6.5 years and people love to talk to her. And if you’ve caught the hint of a slight accent; you’re right! She is originally from Milwaukee where she returns each summer to spend time with her family.

As mentioned, Pam loves to chat. We recently stopped by to catch up with her where our conversation led to shoes and dogs.

Now who doesn’t love a good pair of shoes? However, that’s not exactly where this conversation led. Rather than what’s fashion-forward, we talked about the business.

Pam started her career in the shoe import business in Milwaukee. She worked with buyers to craft shoe collections for Macy’s, Walmart, and the former K-Mart stores. In addition to learning the different styles and materials, she created marketing plans based from where stores were located, the climate of that region, and their physical space. She managed stores and became a district manager.

So how does a girl from Milwaukee get to New Jersey? Well, the home office relocated to Mahwah and so did she. However, times changed and she found herself looking for her next career where she found Centenary.

“I live in Hackettstown, and I love to garden,” said Pam. “I really love the people here at Centenary; the students are so nice. And other than the expensive property taxes, I think NJ is really great, too. It has a wonderful history.”

Pam appreciates what Centenary has to offer its employees. She has taken a few online classes over the past six years and says health insurance is very good.

Since we were chatting with her in the cafeteria, we had to ask about the collection of rubber ducks at the register and her thoughts about Cyclone Dining.

Regarding the rubber duck collection, “One student left one and the ducks have been coming ever  since,” said Pam.

And regarding Cyclone Dining, her personal favorite food prepared in the cafeteria is anything with curry. Her favorite event in the dining hall is the Thanksgiving buffet offered for both lunch and dinner on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. All the traditional items are available; turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

“The best part—and perhaps most popular—are the extensive choice of desserts,” said Pam.

As for what she does for Thanksgiving, she laughed when she said, “Me? Oh, I would never cook a Thanksgiving dinner; I don’t like to cook! I always go out or look forward to being invited somewhere!”

Yes, we talked about dogs, too. She LOVES dogs and has two rescues from Eleventh Hour Rescue, a local organization featured in a News story here on October 30. Pam loves to adopt senior pups and shares her home with Harry, a Pomeranian mix, and Gus, a Chug (chihauhua and pug mix). Harry and Gus help fill the empty spaces left by her beloved Eddie, a rat-terrier mix, whom she adopted when he was a young 9-years-old.

“Dogs are so special,” said Pam. “They keep you in the present. My two will put their paws on my phone if I spend too much time on it rather than just being with them.”

Next time you see Pam in the cafeteria between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., stop by and say “hi.” You never know where the conversation will lead.