PSU Says Farewell to Chris Mongeon

General Manger of Prospect Dining Hall, Chris Mongeon is gearing up to say his good-byes to the kitchen, town and community he has called home for the last fifteen years. Now an empty nester, Mongeon is returning to his hometown of Buffalo, New York and taking over a promising new position as General Manger at Sodexo at the State University of New York Albany. 

Mongeon, whose career spans over thirty years, includes such impressive accolades as winning the 2009 Excellence in Education award from the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, as well as successfully running as General Manager at a number of other colleges and universities, including New England College and the College of Notre Dame. Starting at Plymouth State in 1999, Mongeon has become a prominent member of the campus and town community. Former Scout Leader, a member of both the Lions Club and the President of the Table of Commerce, he even found time to head Habitat for Humanity. Mongeon has spent countless hours bettering the community for those of all ages. In fact, he claims the sense of community is what he’ll miss most about his days in Plymouth. “Maybe it’s because it’s a college town,” said Mongeon in a loud and crowded dinning room of the Prospect Dinning Hall, “but everybody here goes out of their way to make you feel welcome.” 

A University of Houston graduate in Hotel and Restaurant and Administration, Mongeon knew he wanted to work in food services his entire life. Growing up, his father owned a restaurant. Mongeon knew he would follow in his father’s footsteps, but was more attracted to the lifestyle presented by a career in hotel and university kitchens. “College kids keep you young,” said Mongeon as he explained why colleges and universities are his favorite sector within the world of food service. “You’re always trying to be on the cutting edge… instead of doing comment cards, we do texting for comments. You base things on what your customers needs and wants are, and they’re different for schools, and I really like that.” These needs and wants are constantly changing too. With more food allergies than ever, and a generational shift demanding fresh, organic produce, Mongeon and his team are constantly working to keep every student full and happy. 

“College food service can have some negative connotation to it,” said Mongeon. “When I worked before in private restaurants, country clubs, and hotels, you were always the destination. People wanted to spend time with you. Then to have the mentality, where it’s like, ‘I’m stuck eating with you again! I’d rather go someplace else!’ That’s hard to adjust too.” Despite these words, Mongeon doesn’t let it get to him and continues to provide students with safe and healthy food options. “If you break the meal plan down, if you use the meal plan every day, you’re paying something like [$6 and change] for all you can eat. Where else can you do that?” said Mongeon with a chuckle, “Even Vegas doesn’t give away the buffets anymore.” Some of the new dinning options include the new “My-Zone” area. Located outside Prospect’s front doors, at the former “On-The-Go” window. “My-Zone” allows for students with food allergies, and glutton free diets, a safe and convenient location to confidently find alternative meals and snacks that adhere to their specific diets. 

The town, and everyone here at PSU, especially hungry students, will miss Chris Mongeon. His commitment to his job and the community will not go unnoticed.