Sydney Gregory
smg002@marietta.edu
This week we are officially kicking off our Parkhurst Staff Spotlight series! The first staff member on the list is Billie Gregory.
Billie states that this October will mark her eighth year working at Marietta College. She has seen Upper Gilman through its many phases, from when sandwiches were served at Express and later turned to a sub shop called Mando’s, to the current Taqueria. For many students, Billie has become a staple of Upper Gilman and makes their lunch hour a bit brighter.
“Even when times are stressful she’s always smiling,” says Senior Emerald Demor.
When asked whether Billie likes her job she responded by stating, “I like my job, but I love the students. I have fun at my job – how many jobs can you have where you like it, you have a good time, and still get your work done? That’s what I get here.”
If you take an afternoon to observe the students that come and go through Upper Gilman, you may notice that many students share a personal connection with Billie. Some students have been coming to the Taqueria every day for years, while others have just recently begun to know Billie.
Senior Emily Gummere frequently visits Taqueria and feels as though she has a connection to Billie. “I like Billie because she always makes a point to get to know people, know their order and ask them about their life” Gummere says. “It’s weird when Billie isn’t here.”
Billie states that the connection she reciprocates with the students plays a large part in why she has stayed at Marietta College.
“I feel a connection because I enjoy the students. When you get invited to do things for them like the Staff Appreciation basketball game, it’s an honor,” Gregory says.
If you ask Billie about the seemingly random knickknacks adorning her post at the cash register you will quickly realize that they aren’t random at all. In fact, all of them have a story and a student behind them. If you have a spare moment, Billie won’t hesitate to tell you the many memories she has of past and current students, much like a proud mother would share old family photos.
“You see them on a daily basis, you learn who they are, their lives, and they’re all like my family,” says Gregory.
It’s safe to say that many of students at Marietta College think of Billie Gregory as part of their extended family, too.
