By: Sam Mitchell
November 9, 2026
On October 31, Dean of Students DaVaughn Vincent-Bryan Ed. D., commonly known as “Dr. DVB,” and Tina Gillam of AVI Foodsystems collaborated to host an event to bring together administrative and cafeteria staff and students.
The event application was available to all students. Those interested completed a form to indicate their interest and had to share a meal that held significance to them. Nine students were chosen for the event, seven of which participated in the demonstration.
Dr. DVB demonstrated how to prepare steak, roasted brussle sprouts, sauteed carrots, and homemade mashed potatoes while sharing the story behind his meal of choice. The students participated in rotating the sprouts, seasoning the steak, and peeling the potatoes.
After the demonstration, the students were invited to eat the meal prepared in the Anderson Dining room. On the table were cards with recipes from each of the nine students who participated in the dinner party. The recipes were chicken parmesan, a sandwich from a student’s parent’s food truck, a salad, stuffed peppers, and more. Each of the students involved shared why their meal was important to them.
“For me, the most meaningful part was watching the experience evolve from a culinary demonstration into something much more personal. Titles and roles faded into the background, and what remained was a group of people connecting over a meal they had helped create.
That is the kind of community-building I believe in: authentic, participatory, and rooted in shared experiences,” said Dr. DVB.
Gillam also participated in the event as she shared the legacy of the company AVI Foodsystems. Gillam said, “Events like this remind us how valuable it is to build relationships, encourage open conversations, and make sure our students feel heard and valued. I am incredibly grateful for the students who made the evening so special, and I am excited to see what the future holds as we continue to grow and build upon our Dinner with the Dean and Director events. This is just the beginning of something wonderful!”
This “Dinner with the Dean and Director” event has opened the doors for future events involving students and their input for the food.
Kirk Campbell (left) and Dr. DVB demonstrating food safety and cooking experience to the students in the Thiel College kitchen. Photo taken by Gavin Zahner and Abbigail Miller.
