Debbie Griggs is an Omaha native and Sodexo worker, but on Creighton’s campus she is the beloved cashier at Brandeis Dining Hall, affectionately known as “Miss Debbie.”
Griggs has been with Sodexo for the past 12 years. She started out as a pizza chef in Becker Dining Hall and enjoyed it. When her mother retired from her job as a cashier in Becker, Griggs took over. Three years ago, she was transferred to Brandeis as a cashier.
On Creighton’s campus, Griggs is a well-known figure. Students say she is not just a cashier–she is caring and kind, and can brighten students’ days. She is a familiar face welcoming students back to campus.
College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Kaitlin Carlson was ecstatic as she described Griggs.
“One goal everyone says they have here at Creighton is to be on a first-name basis with Miss Debbie … she’s the sweetest and gave me a big hug when I came back to school this fall,” said Carlson.
For many students, coming to college brings stresses and challenges, but Griggs said she works hard to make sure that students never have to worry about feeling homesick or stressed. She wants students–especially those who come from far away–to feel as though they are at home when they return.
“I know a lot of people are a long ways from home so … I try to make you feel like you have a family,” said Griggs.
For Griggs, seeing students every day is what makes her job so enjoyable. She truly loves interacting with students and always tries to know each student by name. She especially enjoys Summer Preview because she gets to meet new students and their parents and then see the students again in the fall.
First–year students may not have met Miss Griggs yet, but she is looking forward to getting to know the incoming class. For her, talking with students is a blessing.
“They are more of an inspiration to me … you all just make my day,” Griggs said.
Griggs is said to be a people person, which is why she loves her job and Creighton students so much. She hopes to work at Creighton for as long as she can and is looking forward to a year of meeting students and making Creighton feel like home.