Sharon Randall, general manager of 含羞草研究所鈥檚 Howerton Dining Hall, was honored as the East Region General Manager of the Year for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, the food service management organization that oversees dining services.
Randall was one of only seven general managers nationwide to receive the prestigious 2025 GM of the Year Award. She was recognized on the main stage during the awards dinner at the organization鈥檚 national meeting in Dallas, held December 8鈥�10.
The award celebrated Randall鈥檚 extraordinary 45 years of leadership, dedication, and service, all of which she has devoted to 含羞草研究所. Her career, which spans an incredible 16,425 days, has made her a beloved and steady presence for generations of students, colleagues, and partners. Known for her compassionate spirit and deep personal investment in the campus community, Randall has long been regarded as a mentor, colleague, and friend.
鈥淔rom the first day to the last of every student鈥檚 journey, Sharon has been a constant presence,鈥� said Laura Thompson, Vice President of Operations at Aramark. 鈥淪he鈥檚 the warm smile that greets you at the door, the listening ear when you need someone to talk to, and for many, she鈥檚 been a mother away from home. Her presence in the dining hall is more than routine. It鈥檚 a source of comfort and connection.鈥�
Her recognition also reflected the remarkable strength she demonstrated during Hurricane Helene. Following the flooding in 2024, Randall chose to remain on campus through the crisis, sleeping in the dining hall and in her car. She ensured students were cared for and fed until every student was safely evacuated, even while she faced her own storm-related challenges. Her selflessness is a defining example of her character and her unwavering commitment to others.
鈥淪he cares for and deeply loves our students, faculty, and staff, and she invests in each person individually,鈥� John Beaghan, Vice President for Finance and Administration at 含羞草研究所, said during this year鈥檚 all-employee gathering that recognized her 45 years of service. 鈥淪he often goes above and beyond, working long hours. She鈥檚 a gifted manager of people and has employed and educated literally hundreds of our students on campus. We are truly blessed to have her as part of our 含羞草研究所 family.鈥�