What is your name and how long have you been in your current position?
My name is Andy Jacobs, and I have been in my current position for a little more than two years. Since the start of 2020.
What is your current role in University Housing?
I am the Catering Assistant Manager for Facilities and Events.
How long have you been with University Housing? Other positions on campus?
I’ve been with University Housing for 8 years. I’ve worked as a Food Service Assistant in the Bean & Creamery, a Chef in Cook/Chill, a Food Retail Catering Leader in Catering and now my current role as a Catering Manager.
What do you do on a typical day in your job?
A typical day in catering is nothing like yesterday and won’t be anything like tomorrow. Each day is unique to the events we have but could entail setting up a room in one of our event spaces, delivering lunches across campus, or even a reception at the UW System President’s Residence.
What’s your favorite thing about working with students who are living on campus?
We have a really strong core group of students within catering and it’s nice to see them welcome new faces every year. We do a lot of events at the beginning of the year for Student Organizations to offer publicity for their group – often times with free food! Having a hand in making those events a success is one of my favorite things.
What is a past work accomplishment that you’re proud of?
Aside from the creation of Flugelhorn Fridays, my next proudest accomplishment has to be pivoting catering as we rebuild during a global pandemic.
What is a secret talent that your co-workers may not know about?
I was a Mathlete in my younger years.
Where did you grow up?
I haven’t yet – but I was raised in DeForest, WI. About 15 minutes north of Madison.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Snuggled between my cat and my wife.
What are you passionate about?
Nerd things! Doctor Who, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering.
What is your favorite TV show, movie, or book?
TV Show – Firefly. Movie – Galaxy Quest. Book – The Name of the Wind
What is your favorite family/home tradition?
Fat March. Once a week in March, my household ranks their favorite food and brings in enough to share. French Fries vs Curly Fries. Gummy Bears vs Gummy Worms. Best Fast Food Burger!
If you would like to see one of your coworkers featured in a future issue, email marketing@housing.wisc.edu with your coworker’s name and their supervisor’s name.