Photo of Denita Theis in the café at Seton Hill Arts Center, taken by Paige Nichols.
Written by: Paige Nichols
The everyday comforts of a clean shower and a hot meal do not magically appear at Seton Hill. Instead, a vital team of everyday champions works sunup to sundown to keep the campus running. One of the many faces of our unsung heroes is Denita Theis, the welcoming face at the Seton Hill Visual Arts Cafe.
“Before coming to Seton Hill, I was a stay-at-home mom for 20 years… I babysat, I started out as a photographer. I did a lot of weddings, baseball teams, football teams, little leagues… They (her son and daughter) were both in the band, so I was a band mom for years… My family is my biggest motivation.” On her cash register, a photo of her first-born grandson, Jude, greets SHU students every morning.
In regards to work at the bottom of the Hill, Theis said, “I think most of the kids know I don’t have control over what comes down here… I wish more people than just the kids knew what it is like.”
Theis stated that she does appreciate students “chit-chatting with me or saying hello,” continuing with, “I think all the kids here are very polite.”
Theis has worked for Seton Hill for 10 years and has witnessed many generations of students. “From year to year, the freshmen are a little different, but then it kinda evens out,” she stated.
Through the eyes of Seton Hill Staff, one can begin to reflect on the long-term culture of Seton Hill and give thanks to all of the folks who keep the lights on.
Who do you think should be the next Staff Spotlight? Let us know at www.setonianonline.com.