A Pillar of Excellence in Dining Services at Mt. San Antonio College

In the fast-paced world of campus dining, exceptional service requires dedication, organization, and a genuine commitment to the community. At Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), Angela Cosio, Operations Manager for Dining Services, exemplifies these qualities every day. Known for her reliability, engagement, and outstanding customer service, Angela plays a central role in shaping the campus dining experience.

“Working at Mt. SAC is incredibly rewarding because I am directly involved in providing an enjoyable, positive experience for students, staff, and employees,” Angela shares. “I approach my role each day with a positive attitude. Attention to detail, customer service, and teamwork are my main focus each day. I also like to keep a flexible mindset and adapt to the needs of employees as well as customers.”

Angela’s dedication extends far beyond routine responsibilities. She plays a vital role in the success of multiple special events, ensuring that each one is executed with precision. Whether coordinating logistics, reaching out to vendors, or troubleshooting last-minute challenges, she consistently goes above and beyond to support the campus community.

Her ability to stay calm and deliver results under pressure was clearly demonstrated during one of her most memorable challenges: “I successfully coordinated a 350-person event for one of our most demanding VPs, who requested two buffet lines set up in a very limited space within just 20 minutes,” Angela explains. “Understanding the constraints, I quickly strategized the layout, arranged tables efficiently, and ensured the lines were organized to maximize speed and flow. As a result, service was significantly faster, enhancing the overall guest experience. Later in the day, the VP personally approached me to express her appreciation, recognizing the effort and execution that went into making the event a success.”

Angela’s leadership was also vital during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the Vice President’s office organized a drive-up meal distribution for students, Angela and her team stepped up, ensuring that meals were available despite the circumstances. The drive-up, grab-and-go model required efficiency, coordination, and compassion, all of which Angela brought to the table.

Balancing the wide-ranging demands of her role is no small task. “It requires effective time management, communication, and prioritization,” Angela says. “I usually prioritize my days to include time with staff, making sure they are customer-focused, time out in operations interacting with customers, staff, and visitors, and time in the office making sure my day-to-day duties are fulfilled in a timely manner.”

Her impact is not only felt in operations but also in the trust and respect she builds with colleagues. “Angela is the type of leader who sets the bar high and leads by example,” says Steven Anderson, General Manager of Dining Services. “She ensures that every event, every meal service, and every interaction with students and staff is handled with care and professionalism. The students appreciate her dedication more than she realizes. She has helped create an environment where they feel valued, and that is something truly special.”

Cathi Hilario-Alvarado, Assistant to the Associate Vice President of the Student Services Division, echoes that sentiment: “Customer service is very important to me, and Angela does it with so much grace.”

At Mt. SAC, Angela Cosio is a trusted leader and dedicated team member whose work speaks volumes. Through her professionalism, creativity, and deep commitment to those she serves, she continues to elevate the dining experience—day in and day out.