October 10, 2008

Etiquette dinner for students set for Oct. 22

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Ever have that nightmare where you’re at a dinner party with your new boss and suddenly you realize you haven’t a clue how to eat what’s just been served? Where did all of that silverware come from anyway?

Students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale never have to live through that nightmare. The annual fall professional etiquette dinner Oct. 22 will provide all the tips needed to assure that whether in a business or personal setting, you’ll know how to dine properly.

The dinner is 5-7:30 p.m. in Lentz Hall Dining Room Five. All SIUC students are welcome. The evening features a full meal along with information about table manners, tips on how to market yourself in the business world, suggestions for building a credible wardrobe and much more.

“The etiquette dinner provided by University Housing offers valuable and practical etiquette information that can be applied to many social situations,” said Alyssa Rider, graduate assistant and nutrition counselor for Residence Hall Dining. Whether the goal is to “wow that new boss” or impress a girlfriend or boyfriend, the etiquette dinner is just the ticket, she said.

University Housing Residence Hall Dining is hosting the event. Chef Bill and the Lentz Hall dining staff will be preparing the five-course meal. In collaboration with SIUC Career Services, they’ll offer participants business etiquette tips. Food and nutrition students will assist with set-up and serving for the dinner.

Tickets are available for purchase at the residence hall dining office on the lower level of Grinnell Hall from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The cost is $10 per person and the last day to register is Oct. 16. Office attire is required for participants.

For more information, call 618/453-2649 or e-mail arider@siu.edu.