Schools
Honoring Long-Term Team Members at Tulsa University Dining
The University of Tulsa's dining program benefits every day from employees whose dedication spans many years.
Tulsa, Ok - The University of Tulsa's dining program benefits every day from employees whose dedication spans many years. Senior Production Cook Mario Galindo and Cashier/Customer Service Lead Maureen “Moe” Tarver are two long-term team members whose influence is felt across campus.
Mario Galindo, Senior Production Cook — 15+ Years
For more than 15 years, Mario Galindo has brought steadiness and genuine enthusiasm to his role in the kitchen. When asked about a defining moment from his time at TU Dining, he didn’t point to one event. For him, the standout experience is the simple act of arriving each day. “When I come to work, I feel happy,” he said. “I enjoy doing my job and I love teaching my coworkers.”
Mario often speaks about how much the people around him have shaped his career. He sees the team as family and takes pride in serving the Halal community with the food he prepares. His time at TU has strengthened his passion for cooking and given him a sense of belonging.
Executive Campus/Regional Director of Dining, Ed Daugherty, says Mario’s presence has become a defining part of the dining environment. Ed describes Mario as someone who brings warm, unforgettable energy to the team and lifts spirits even on the hardest days. He notes that Mario’s drive for high-quality cooking shows in every meal he creates, and if there’s a standout soup at Pat Case Dining Center, it’s likely one of Mario’s signature recipes. Ed credits Mario’s years of dedication with helping shape the dining experience students rely on.
Maureen “Moe” Tarver, Cashier & Customer Service — 18 Years
Maureen “Moe” Tarver has spent 18 years supporting students with a direct, caring approach that has become central to daily life on campus. When reflecting on a meaningful moment from her career, she shared a memory from a difficult time. After the loss of her brother, former Sodexo General Manager Mike Neal showed deep compassion by giving her an additional day of grievance pay and stepping in whenever she needed help. That support stayed with her.
When asked about the person who influenced her most at TU Dining, Moe immediately thought of Karen Jones, who now runs the Hurricane Market, the campus C-Store. At a time when Moe had no transportation, Karen went out of her way every morning to pick her up and make sure she could get to work. That act of loyalty and kindness left a permanent mark on her.
Moe says being part of the TU Dining team has shaped her life outside the job as well. Students are her focus, and she sees her role as equal parts guidance and encouragement. She aims to be the aunt, mother, and grandmother figure students may need while they are away from home, making sure they know they are cared for and respected.
Ed Daugherty says Moe brings a strength and energy to campus that is immediately felt when she walks into a room. He often points to the way she connects with students and sets a standard for engagement and support. Her ability to lift the mood, check in on students, and bring genuine kindness into each day has made her an essential part of the dining team.
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