St. Francis freshens dining experience

Local News

Related Photos

Chef David Burch on Wednesday prepares a made-to-order dish at the newly renovated Torvian Dining Hall on the St. Francis University campus. Todd Berkey
Students at St. Francis University on Wednesday enjoy the newly renovated Torvian Dining Hall, which in addition to an updated style features a selection of healthier foods, university officials say. Todd Berkey

Discussion

January 23, 2013

St. Francis freshens dining experience

Kelly Urban kurban@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Wed Jan 23, 2013, 11:20 PM EST

LORETTO — Students at St. Francis University are dining in style.

The university held a grand re-opening celebration of the newly renovated Torvian Dining Hall on Wednesday, and in addition to the new look, healthier foods are being promoted.

“Everyone did a beautiful job and there is a newness and refreshed atmosphere to it,” said university President Father Gabriel Zeis prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This will meet the needs of all who dine here.”

The project began in December during the holiday break and finished on Jan. 5, in time for students returning to class.

It involved installing new flooring and carpeting, painting, wallpapering and updating lighting fixtures.

“We wanted to give it a fresher, cleaned-up look,” said Leo Cavanaugh, general manager of dining services. “It feels more welcoming and brighter in here now.”

A Flash Fitness station that offers lighter fare choices such as lean meats, fresh vegetables and vegetarian selections is now being promoted.

“It’s a twist on healthy dining, and we want to put that option out there to the students,” Cavanaugh said.

In addition, Parkhurst Dining, the food service provider at the university, periodically plans to bring in traveling chefs from other Pankhurst-managed schools who will prepare food to order using authentic and fresh ingredients.

On Wednesday students could choose between a Korean spicy pork dish, a margarita salad or rice noodles with stir fry vegetables.

“We like to offer a variety and something students don’t get all the time,” Cavanaugh said.

Executive Chef Terry McMullen said the dining hall staff works with students to gather input on what food selections they would like to see offered.

“The students love when we do theme meals. We do those about twice a month. So we like to mix it up so it doesn’t get boring,” he said.

Torvian Dining Hall is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is open to the public.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

State police investigating school bus crash
State police in Ebensburg are investigating a school bus crash that happened Monday on Route 36 in Clearfield Township. The Cambria Heights school bus was carrying 27 students when the driver apparently blacked out and sheared off a pine tree between the Chest Spring and Patton areas, schools superintendent Michael Strasser said. None of the high school or elementary students was hurt, he said. The students were triaged at the scene and released to their parents, Strasser said.
The driver was taken to Altoona Regional Hospital, he said.

May 20, 2013
Study: Hospitals’ finances are healthy
Hospitals across the region maintained financial health last year, a new state report shows.
But leaders say the continued strength required constant scrutiny and creative programming to identify new opportunities in a dynamic industry.

May 20, 2013
Local politicians will feel impact of redistricting
This time next year, as primary election day draws near, two close friends and colleagues likely will find themselves in a face-off, each in the hopes of holding his job in the state House.

May 20, 2013
Mayor’s race pits friends
A two-way race for the borough mayor seat will likely be settled Tuesday.
That’s because two Democrats – incumbent Simon “Red” Ohler and Councilwoman Sonya Pekala – are the only candidates on the spring ballot, with no Republican opposition.

May 20, 2013
Windber men vying for post
Two Windber men want to fill the seat being vacated in December by a longtime local district judge.
With now-Senior District Judge Joseph Cannoni’s term expiring at year’s end, attorney William E. Seger, 52, and William Telek, 56, a senior construction inspector for the turnpike, will face off in a May primary race that could repeat itself again this fall.

May 20, 2013
Observances slated for Memorial Day
The men and women who have kept this nation free will be honored during Memorial Day ceremonies in the area.
Inside are Memorial Day observances are scheduled for May 27.

May 19, 2013 1 Photo
Vet’s war story is put into words
“A Scout for E Company 1944: The Story of PFC Gene Wentz,” by Daniel Felix of Mechanicsburg, has been released in time for Memorial Day.
Felix, who is a semiretired educator, wrote his first book about his father-in-law, who lives in Martinsburg.
He wanted to tell Wentz’s story because he has realized that so many World War II veterans are dying without sharing their memories.

May 19, 2013 1 Photo
Person of the Week | A stand-up guy: Hoops star defends friend against classmates’ bullying
When Greater Johnstown High School basketball star Phillip Madison saw some bullies teasing his autistic friend, he stopped them by defending his classmate.
That noble action influenced other students to join Phillip’s quest to see fairness prevail by casting aside the actions of the bullies.

May 19, 2013 1 Photo
15-year-old killed during race at Bedford Co. track
A 15-year-old boy was killed Saturday after crashing his four-wheeler at a Bedford County bike track.

May 19, 2013
Texas Tenors returning to Arcadia
Contrary to popular western lore, the good guys, or at least the good singers, wear black hats.
The Texas Tenors will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Arcadia Theater, 1418 Graham Ave., Windber.

May 19, 2013
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

St. Francis freshens dining experience

Do we have too many economic development agencies in our area?

Contact Us