Jon's Profile

Service With a Smile; 27 Years and Running

When entering the Berkshire Dining Commons, the students of Southwest can always count on a beaming smile and friendly welcome from 46 year old Nancy M. Drake. Drake, who is an Amherst native, has served on the UMass Auxiliary Food Service Staff for 27 years. Drake has more years of service than all but one of her colleagues in the Auxiliary Department.

Born in Holyoke, MA, Drake is the oldest of five siblings, having four younger brothers. Upon moving to Amherst as a child, Drake graduated from Amherst High School in 1976, and has resided in the area ever since.

Throughout high school, Drake worked at the local McDonalds, Stop and Shop, and at various Pizzerias. Shortly after high school, Drake began working at UMass with Auxiliary Services as a line server. She has since garnered several promotions, and currently serves as the supervisor at the Berkshire Dining Commons.

“I take pride in the fact that I started at the bottom and worked my way up to the top,” Drake commented. With 27 years of service, Drake laughed when asked how she ranks with the careers of her co-workers. “Well, I’ll say that I’m ranked second with the most years of service in the Auxiliary Department. But, I do think I’m technically tied for first,” she said with a smile.
In talking with Drake, it was evident that she enjoys what she does for a living. She spoke highly of both her co-workers and the students she interacts with on a daily basis. “It’s the people that make it easy to come to work everyday,” said Drake.