For 40 years she’s been the smiling face that has greeted thousands of hungry and homesick UNE college students, but Maureen Hollis has finally called time on her long-serving career.
A constant, kindly presence in the kitchens of Duval, Drummond and Smith, Austin and most latterly Robb, Maureen has worked for both the university and its contract catering teams, mostly on the frontline.
“I have been all around the university, in the kitchens, on the switchboard and even working as a housemaid, but my last 18 years have been on the servery at Robb,” she says. “I’ve loved my job and being out front for the kids. I’d get excited when they came in for dinner, and say hello to every single one.”
I would like to think I have been like a surrogate mother to students, especially the freshers, who have just come out of high school and left home.
Even during times of great personal hardship Maureen has prided herself on lending a comforting ear.
“It’s been great knowing the students, caring for them and listening to their problems,” she says. “Some come in and you can see they are down in the dumps and going through hard times. I’ve tried to cheer them up, with a joke or a smile. I’ve just loved being with them; they’ve kept me young.”
Maureen was farewelled at the recent Robb College commencement dinner.
During COVID lockdowns, Maureen was one of our dedicated staff who continued packing and dispatching meals, “to make sure students had enough food” and she’s known for her generous helpings.
“I’ve always made sure they get a bit extra,” she says. “I would like to think I have been like a surrogate mother to students, especially the freshers, who have just come out of high school and left home. They do miss their Mums and families.”
And as for what she will miss most, Maureen is unequivocal.
“The students and their welcoming faces,” she says. “I’ve met some absolutely wonderful kids and it’s sad when they leave; I’ve seen them come and grow up, then seen them go. It’s been a great journey; I’ve loved my work.”
Not one to “sit on the lounge doing jigsaws or knitting or crocheting”, 75-year-old Maureen has taken a part-time role at an Armidale school and is looking forward to earlier nights. While she just wanted to “pack her little bag and go”, Maureen was formally recognised at the Robb College commencement dinner in early March. And, for the first time ever, she was on the receiving end of the meal service.
