Jaren Passey Awarded USU Dining Services March Employee of the Month

Jaren Passey, an employee of The Junction at Utah State University, was recently selected to be USU Dining Services Employee of the Month for March. The nomination was based off of Dining Services value of “continuous improvement.” Continuous improvement is one of the seven core values of dining services, and is defined by the following statement, “We constantly question what we do and how we do it in an event to find a better way. Problems and complaints are seen as opportunities to become better. Perfection is not an end result but a process that occurs every day and in everything we do.”

Passey is the dishroom supervisor of The Junction, as well as one of the late night supervisors. He received two nominations for the value of continuous improvement. The first came from baker, Steve Wright.

“Jaren is checking in with me every couple days, asking if the dish crew can be improving their process,” Wright said. He is always looking for a way to do things better. He is a very smart dude, but also extremely friendly and just generally pleasant to be around.” 

Colleague Andrew Walker, concurred. 

“Jaren is always searching for something to improve and is vocal about it. Both in his work and the efficiency of the places where he works,” Walker said. 

Amber Schoenfield, a manager at The Junction, said Jaren is an excellent example of continuous improvement. 

“Nearly every time I see Jaren he offers suggestions for ways to improve the dishroom, Late Night Meals or just the Junction in general,” Schoenfield said. “When he has concerns about the way things currently run, he offers suggestions and talks through problems with me to help find workable solutions then fully supports my decisions, whatever they are, without complaint or pushback. I truly feel Jaren’s overall goal is help the Junction be a better, more efficient operation”. 

USU Dining Services is proud to have Passey as an example of continuous improvement for all employees throughout Dining Services.

Passey was awarded a $50 Aggie Express Card as well as a plaque. 

Contact: Brittanie Carter, brittanie.carter@usu.edu