Nicholls State University Honors Dining Team Members as Lifesavers

Nicholls State University celebrated an extraordinary act of heroism on Monday, October 28, in Galliano Dining Hall, where two dining team members, Krystal Campbell and Addie Cheramie, were honored for saving a student’s life. The incident occurred on October 16, when a student began choking while dining. Thanks to Campbell’s quick and skilled response in administering the Heimlich maneuver, and Cheramie’s calm handling of the situation—keeping the area clear, comforting the student, and calming onlookers—a potential tragedy was averted.

To recognize their lifesaving actions, a ceremony was held where Campbell and Cheramie received certificates, flowers, candles, and symbolic capes. The event, attended by their families, the student they saved, and members of the Nicholls community, highlighted the critical role dining staff play in campus safety.

The actions of Campbell and Cheramie reflect Sodexo’s commitment to a “Zero Harm” mindset, embedded in the company’s mission to ensure safety for employees, clients, and customers. “Sodexo takes the safety of employees, clients, and customers very seriously and has designed health and safety into all aspects of the business, including how its employees are recruited and trained,” noted District Safety Coordinator James Charpentier. As part of this commitment, Sodexo integrates health and safety practices across its operations, promoting a Zero Harm Mindset in several ways:

• Embedding health and safety: Health and safety principles are woven into all aspects of Sodexo’s business, from employee recruitment and training to product purchasing and service delivery.
• Daily safety checks: Sodexo employees use “3 Checks for Safety” daily, ensuring they are equipped, trained, and prepared to work in a safe environment.
• Training and competence: Employees receive targeted training, tools, and equipment to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
• Compliance and learning: Through mandatory compliance standards and a global HSE tool, Sodexo tracks incidents and reinforces best practices.
• Recognizing excellence: Sodexo honors exceptional health and safety practices through award programs that recognize employees’ commitment to safety.

Ronald J. Guillory, Senior Vice President at Sodexo, expressed his pride in Campbell and Cheramie’s actions, saying, “The safety of our employees and the campus communities we serve are a priority at Sodexo. I am so proud of Krystal and Addie for being ready to respond in such a heroic way.”

Witness Bianca Gilfour, who observed the event, also commended the dining team members' bravery and calm under pressure. “It was truly impressive to see Krystal and Addie calmly and confidently spring into action to help the student while we waited for emergency personnel to arrive. Despite the intensity of the situation, Krystal still took the time to get his consent before administering the Heimlich maneuver. Everything happened in an instant, and although it was a scary and emotional experience to witness, Addie did an outstanding job of keeping the area clear, comforting the student, and calming those who were watching.”

This heartfelt ceremony not only honored two remarkable team members for their quick thinking and courage but also underscored Sodexo’s commitment to health, safety, and excellence, ensuring a safe campus environment and promoting a culture of proactive care and responsibility.