Two Fridays ago, a junior here at Plymouth State University decided to try and sneak by Fred Allen, who was running cards at the front desk. Mr. Allen stopped the young man, and inquired of him his reasons for attempting to sneak by. The results of that inquiry could prevent this well-liked, well-respected man from working for Sodexho during the next school year.
Fred Allen, as most students who have had the opportunity and pleasure to speak with him know, can be rather verbose. He also cares about the students and their futures. When he saw a PSU student committing an error of judgment that could not only end him in trouble with the law-a student a few days previous was sent to the police station for trying to sneak by without paying for a meal-but if left uncorrected could lead to worse decisions, he stepped in. He proceeded to explain to the young man, who after sneaking by had lied three times about his reasons for doing so, the consequences of his actions, both potential and already materialized.
Some reasons, Mr. Allen explained, for not sneaking by and lying included a terrible but memorable first impression, a potentially bad reputation that could stain this young man, and all he is associated with, including friends, sports teams, etc. will now be stained by his actions. In the middle of this attempt at constructive criticism, unfortunately, a manager heard the dialogue and decided to step in. And thus began the process that would lead to Mr. Allen’s decision to leave PSU, and Sodexho’s employment.
After this manager informed Fred that his job was to “wipe tables and swipe cards, [nothing more],” he was also told to be more like another employee, one who was quiet and unobtrusive. When she left the vicinity, the three young men standing nearby, including the offending youngster, asked Fred “what her problem [was].” None of the students were offended in any way, but Fred was in trouble anyway.
Fred is 69 years old, and a former business owner. He has told this writer on numerous occasions that he finds it hard to work under people he cannot respect or learn from, yet he respected this manager quite a bit. Despite his tendency to speak too much sometimes, and to be rather opinionated, but he has had a positive influence on many individuals here on campus.
Fred has raised over 75% of the monies during fundraisers he has participated in for Sodexho, has convinced more then one individual to either take classes at PSU, or continue to take classes. One young man, an employee at the university for several years, had no college education. Thanks to Fred, however, this energetic and part-time student is not only working the two jobs he was employed at before, but taking several classes during each standard semester and taking summer classes!
Because he cannot now help students because of his concern of getting into trouble with a manager less than half his age, and he refuses to cause trouble between managers, employees, and students by staying, Fred has decided to leave Sodexho’s employment rather than compromise himself. To some it might seem bullheaded and stubborn, but to the score or so of students who have since tried to convince Fred to stay, they understand his reasoning but beg him to stay anyway. He refuses, but thanks each and every one with deep respect for their efforts.
The value of someone is not just in the money they make or the professional service he/she provides. It also is in the emotional and other positive influences provided. Fred has given us food, clean tables, and access to meals over the years. His greatest accomplishments, however, are in the minds of the students and employees who greatly respect, and admire him. To lose him is to lose a face and spirit that invigorates and uplifts students everyday.