Career Services Etiquette Dinner A Success

The Career Services Etiquette Dinner was held on Sunday, October 23 at 5:00 P.M. The dinner began in the Hoff Room with appetizers and a short networking session. Leading the networking session was Michael Dixon, Director of Multicultural Studies and Campus Diversity. Mr. Dixon provided instruction on how to professionally introduce oneself and how to politely leave a conversation. During the networking session, students met a variety of local business representatives.

Following the networking session, all participants entered the Lahman Room for the dinner. The tables had already been set and business representatives were asked to act as Table Hosts. As such, they would set the standard for proper etiquette during the dinner. Liz Bushnell, Career Services Director, gave a short introduction to proper table etiquette as the soup was distributed to each table. Discussion of the placement of the napkin opened the etiquette presentation. Attendees were told that the napkin is to be placed in their laps during the meal and set to the left of the plate when they leave the table. The place setting designated for each participant was marked by the bread plate on the left and the glass to their right. Following this short presentation, participants ate their soup and salads. There was much discussion at each table as the participants became acquainted with each other.

Mrs. Bushnell ended her presentation after the main course was served. She explained the difference between business attire, standard business casual, and basic business casual. Door prizes were given by drawing business cards provided before the event that had been distributed during the networking session. Winners were given a Manchester College portfolio. Cheesecake was served for dessert. There were eighty-three participants at the Etiquette Dinner. Copies of the etiquette handout are available in Career Services.