Students say they know the ‘lunch lady’ cares
Darlene Paulson has been a smiling face at Saint Mary’s for nearly 50 years — even when you couldn’t see her face.
When Paulson ran the switchboard, she instructed others to smile when they answered the phone because it changed the inflection of their voices, making everyone sound more warm and friendly when they talked to people calling in to the university.
No matter what role she’s had — and she’s had several — it’s an infectious trait she’s shared in all of them.
Paulson came to Saint Mary’s in 1976 when her then-boss at the local radio station started working at the university and said he was bringing her along.
Her first role at the then-college was in alumni/parent relations and then eventually she became alumni director. One thing she is most proud of from her time in the alumni office is starting the future alumni association.
“It was fun. I had a good group of students, and I just wanted them to understand that when they graduated, we didn’t just want their addresses because we were going to ask for money, there were other things to get involved with, like activities and alumni events,” she said. “We wanted them to stay connected.”
For about two years, until 1985, she also worked in the president’s office, with two presidents, Brother Peter Clifford, FSC, and Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC.
Brother Louis then had other roles for Paulson, putting her in charge of the Toner Student Center, where she oversaw the switchboard, the mailroom, university vehicles and approved drivers.
Those were the days before cell phones. The switchboard was the only way callers on campus or off campus could reach one another. And if a student worker didn’t show up, whether sick or otherwise, it was Paulson who filled in during the midnight shift.
“A year later, Brother Louis said we needed to start some summer programs,” Paulson said. “Vice President Dan Maloney said, ‘You need to write up a business operations plan,’ which I had never done before. I had to look up how to do that. But eventually we got that going pretty successfully, mostly nonprofits. That was fun too.”
Paulson took over conferencing services and soon was busy getting guests checked in, making sure their beds were made or stripped, and ensuring they had a pleasant stay.
One of her proudest moments at Saint Mary’s was earning the Bishop Heffron Award in 1998. Besides giving the speech for that award, her most embarrassing moment happened while rushing across Highway 14, in heels and silk stockings, to Watters Hall and falling, tumbling repeatedly while a student watched in fear that she was hurt. Fortunately, the only thing seriously hurt was her pride … and her silk stockings. Paulson said, there was a job to be done, and they got up and soldiered on.
She worked at Saint Mary’s until 2016 when changes were made and she transitioned to Chartwells as an office manager. She said the new job was ideal because she was able to stay on campus and continue her contact with the Saint Mary’s family she — and her husband John who taught in the music department for 35 years — had grown so close to throughout their careers.
“It’s always been a family,” she said. “The Brothers mentored me. They have always helped me. Faculty, staff, and students were always a family, but now it’s mostly the students I see. They’re so sweet. They give me birthday cards and Valentine’s Day cards, and they’re full of hugs.”
Currently, Darlene is a cashier for Chartwells. “It’s a good old lady job, and you can quote me on that,” she says laughing. You see all the students and there’s no stress. It’s perfect. I’ll stay as long as they’ll have me and I’m able.”
One day the Paulsons were out for dinner and they bumped into a student and her family. The student excitedly waved and said, “There’s the lunch lady,” and wanted to introduce her family, much to her surprise.
As senior Blake Arneson says, “Darlene is the first person you see every morning, always has a smile on her face, and always has the uncanny ability to make you laugh and smile to start your day off right!”
Sophomore Nikolai Niemela agrees. “Darlene welcomes me every morning with a smile and a hello. She is always so easy to talk to and super helpful. We still catch up and talk about our lives when there isn’t a line behind me. Darlene is the best!”
And senior Breyton Buysman adds, “Everyone who eats in the cafeteria knows Darlene and how truly awesome she is! From the moment we walk up to grab breakfast or lunch, she’s always there at the front table, greeting us with a warm, infectious smile that makes us feel welcome! Darlene has a way of making even the busiest mornings feel a little brighter. She makes each interaction feel personal, and that sense of connection adds so much to the experience. It’s not just about getting your food, but about being greeted by someone who truly cares, which is rare and special. Her warm presence on campus is a reminder of the power of kindness and how much a smile can really change someone’s day. Darlene is a dose of positivity and community that we all look forward to.”
Paulson is also hoping to continually be asked to help serve during Reunion Weekend, when she has been reunited with several alumni whom she may not always recognize by name, but who bring back memories — and definitely smiles.
