Sodexo General Manager Retires After 26 Years
After 26 years, Dennis Markeson, the general manager of the University’s food service provider, Sodexo, will retire this summer.
“I’ll miss coming to work everyday. I’ll miss the people,” Markeson said.
After starting his career as a cook in Ashland, Wisc., in 1969, Markeson occupied a number of jobs in the college food service industry. Following a stint as a traveling regional director, he settled with his family in Kirksville in 1985 and has been with the University ever since.
Among his accomplishments, Markeson has helped to expand the menu on campus and has incorporated more local foods. Additionally, he worked in conjunction with the University and the Environmental Campus Organization to start recycling and composting programs.
“We are so appreciative of Dennis Markeson’s remarkable service to Truman over the last 26 years,” said President Troy D. Paino. “Food services are a very important part of a University’s operation and, under Dennis’ capable leadership, something that the last seven Truman presidents have not had to worry about.”
Although he will be leaving the University, Markeson will continue to call Kirksville home. He plans to spend time gardening, golfing, fishing and traveling.
He will also have a presence on campus, occasionally dining with friends he has come to know over his time at Truman.
Lora Cunningham, the current assistant general manager, will take over for Markeson.
“Those are big shoes to fill. He’s been on campus forever,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham has been on campus almost as long as Markeson, starting in 1986. With the exception of a 6-year stretch in the 1990s, she has worked with Markeson at Truman since then.
“Lora has been trained by the best. I was relieved and thrilled when I heard she would be taking over for Dennis,” Paino said. “With her training, skills and work ethic, I know the tradition of excellence with our food services will continue.”
Despite leaving, Markeson feels confident the food service program will continue to be successful.
“It’s been the teamwork of management and the hourly staff that has made us what we are today,” he said. “We will continue to work to keep the satisfaction high at Truman.”
Markeson will officially retire June 2, but will maintain an advisory role until August.
“I’ll miss coming to work everyday. I’ll miss the people,” Markeson said.
After starting his career as a cook in Ashland, Wisc., in 1969, Markeson occupied a number of jobs in the college food service industry. Following a stint as a traveling regional director, he settled with his family in Kirksville in 1985 and has been with the University ever since.
Among his accomplishments, Markeson has helped to expand the menu on campus and has incorporated more local foods. Additionally, he worked in conjunction with the University and the Environmental Campus Organization to start recycling and composting programs.
“We are so appreciative of Dennis Markeson’s remarkable service to Truman over the last 26 years,” said President Troy D. Paino. “Food services are a very important part of a University’s operation and, under Dennis’ capable leadership, something that the last seven Truman presidents have not had to worry about.”
Although he will be leaving the University, Markeson will continue to call Kirksville home. He plans to spend time gardening, golfing, fishing and traveling.
He will also have a presence on campus, occasionally dining with friends he has come to know over his time at Truman.
Lora Cunningham, the current assistant general manager, will take over for Markeson.
“Those are big shoes to fill. He’s been on campus forever,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham has been on campus almost as long as Markeson, starting in 1986. With the exception of a 6-year stretch in the 1990s, she has worked with Markeson at Truman since then.
“Lora has been trained by the best. I was relieved and thrilled when I heard she would be taking over for Dennis,” Paino said. “With her training, skills and work ethic, I know the tradition of excellence with our food services will continue.”
Despite leaving, Markeson feels confident the food service program will continue to be successful.
“It’s been the teamwork of management and the hourly staff that has made us what we are today,” he said. “We will continue to work to keep the satisfaction high at Truman.”
Markeson will officially retire June 2, but will maintain an advisory role until August.
