In Recognition of Hospitality

Nashotah House is delighted to share that a monetary gift has been given in recognition of Mr. Randall Savage, Director of Food Services at Nashotah House.

As many of the Chapter readers will know, Mr. Savage is a familiar presence throughout Nashotah House’s dining hall. Known as “The Refectory,” the place holds multiple long-standing traditions including twice-daily meals among faculty, seminarians, and staff -- all of whom take their turn on rotations of washing dishes and kitchen clean-up. 

A history of hospitality is another of Nashotah House’s trademark traditions, and this is modeled by no one better than Mr. Savage. From preparing hot coffee to delicious chowders, and even taking a turn now and then at Memphis-style barbeque, Mr. Savage has been a cornerstone of our community since 2014. 

Among the flurry of the post-chapel or post-class arrival of hungry seminarians, faculty, and staff, bell-ringing for morning and afternoon announcements, and busy refectorians politely shooing people from their table conversations, so they can complete their tasks, Mr. Savage cheerfully keeps the multiple trays of morning bacon coming and the Refectory humming.

As is the case with all great ideas, simplicity is key. Keep the pot roasts, sure, but incorporating fresh produce into the community’s meals is not something that’s always occurred here -- just ask the mid-century classes -- especially with an ability to keep an eye on the budget. Among his other famously delicious culinary offerings, Mr. Savage is also attentive to accommodating whatever dietary restrictions and preferences come his way and always with his trademark joie de vivre. 

Often one of the first faces that visitors see is Mr. Savage, who is known to take a friendly break from his whirlwind kitchen to ask, “How’s the day going?” 

Recently the Rev. Harold Reed attended the Breck Conference and spent a few extra days at the House. This was the first time back for him since graduating in 1992. Fr. Reed says his visit to Nashotah House was blessed in many ways.

“One individual who added to the joy of all that I experienced was Randy Savage,” he said. “ I saw Randy just about every morning very early on or after my walks around campus, and he was always friendly, accommodating and more than happy to chat for a few moments. The meals that were prepared and served were done with the utmost care, attention to detail and the greatest degree of hospitality, all under the watchful gaze of Randy.” 

Never drawing attention to himself (and requiring actual coaxing to emerge from the kitchen to receive applause in gratitude for his service), Mr. Savage is genuinely touched when people indicate their appreciation. “It is always an honor to be recognized, and I want to convey my thanks to Fr. Reed,” said Mr. Savage. “It really does make me happy to be able to help make people feel at home at Nashotah House.”

The Refectory, as many students and alumni will recall, is the “new” Refectory, designed by Eschweiler & Eschweiler and built in 1965, the same year Kemper Hall was built. Christened the James Lloyd Breck Refectory, the “new” replaced the “old” which had been located next door in Shelton Hall, built in 1869. 

“Nashotah House is truly blessed to have such a dedicated servant of Our Lord such as Randy, as both an individual and in his professional capacity as Director of Food Services,” said Fr. Reed. “God bless you, Randy!”

Is there a person who stands out to you when you think of Nashotah House? A faculty member who inspired you or helped shape your ministry? A staff person who brightened your seminary days? A fellow student who was a help or a hero to you? If so, we invite you to celebrate and recognize these special individuals by telling us your story and making a gift in their honor or memory at https://nashotah.edu/tribute. Shared with the honorees, these special notes of appreciation will be a great source of encouragement, and your gift will help Nashotah House carry on its legacy of ministry and mission.