Parkhurst Dining Services provides students not only with good food, but also a friendly staff.

There are many people that work with Parkhurst that truly make students smile. One of these caring individuals is Cashier Colleen Swope, who works at the Laker Inn.

Swope has worked with Parkhurst for four years, but she has worked at Mercyhurst for 13 years.

As you can imagine, after working on campus for so long, Swope has many stories. She explained that the stories keeps her laughing all day long, so she is never having a bad day when she comes into work.

Between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, Swope’s bright and cheery attitude keeps students smiling.

Despite having to be up so early to get to her job in the Laker, Swope said she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Her great relationship with students and all the ladies that work with Parkhurst makes the job well worth her while.

One of the perks of working at Mercyhurst is that she gets a summer off, just like the students.

Swope spends her summers outside. She loves landscaping, spending time reading on her deck, or playing with her dog, Amber.

Swope describes herself as a laid back person who loves spending time with her family and her dog, whom she adopted through the Because You Care organization.

“Amber is a golden retriever and yellow Labrador mix, who used to be an aid dog before she was put up for adoption. She is an amazing animal and I love spending time with her,” Swope said.

She has two daughters who live in the Erie area, and she described her daughters as her best friends.

This additional information about Swope should come to no surprise, because her friendliness is consistently transparent whether she is at home or on the job.

“I truly love all the students. They are what make my day. I look at each student as my own,” said Swope. “I would want someone to be nice to my girls, so I always try and be as friendly as I can.”

Swope’s genuine smile and loving attitude is something that truly makes a difference on campus, and we are lucky to have her.