by Annie Adams
In an attempt to shed some light on the mysterious operations of McClurg Dining Hall, the Purple is running regular profiles on those brave men and women who work to bring us our three (or five or seven) favorite meals a day. Whether you’re a daily pizza-eater, vegan line veteran, or panini pro, knowing the faces smiling behind the lines will make your meal all that more special. So read on, and strike up a conversation next time you’re standing in line for an omelet. You may find the result to be egg-ceptional.
This issue’s profile highlights Kathy Botts, who specializes in the creation of some McClurg favorites. A self-taught cook, this much-admired woman is offering up some fascinating answers to our questions, from a surprising hobby to her philosophy about students.
Q: What is your job at McClurg?
A: I work at the wok in the morning cooking omelets. At other meals I work the grill, which cooks hamburgers, chicken, and more.
Q: How many years have you worked with Sewanee Dining?
A: This is my third year.
Q: Hometown?
A: Walnutport, Pennsylvania.
Q: What are the best and worst parts of living and working here?
A: That’s hard to say, because there really are no parts of it that I don’t like. I love the area, and I love the students here. My family is in Walnutport, so I think of each student here as if they’re a child to me, and that’s how I treat them. If I see a student doing something stupid, I go ahead and lecture them, and if I see someone doing something good, I go ahead and tell them!
Q: Favorite movie?
A: Dirty Dancing
Q: Hobbies?
A: I love to hike and rollerblade. I love to try new things and am up for any new experience. I went bungee jumping recently in Pennsylvania and loved it.
Q: Favorite band?
A: Aerosmith
Q: How did you learn to cook?
A: I am self-taught, and got to where I am today by experimenting with different ideas and techniques and learning from my mistakes. Now though, I don’t like to cook at home very often since it’s what I do all day at work.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
A: My mother is definitely the person who has inspired me most. She can handle any situation or problem with a smile. Throughout her life she has been a caretaker to sick people, and always kept a positive attitude handling anything you could throw at her. Now I am helping her through her battle with cancer, and she continues to inspire me.