By Gracie Elliott —
The Career Services and Professional Development Department at Miami has a plethora of
activities and opportunities to help students prepare for the workforce post college. The most
recent event sponsored by this department was the annual Etiquette Dinner, held recently at Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Hamilton.
Each year, all Miami students are invited to attend this event, and special emphasis is placed on
seniors taking part. Doug Reichenberger, Regional Director of Career Services and Professional
Development, stated that the intention is “to prepare students for formal events/dinners, knowing
how to practice professional etiquette and conversation.”
Sandy Hyde, owner of the Etiquette School of Ohio, was this year’s guest speaker. Upon arrival,
students were checked-in and found their designated spot at their table. The evening was then a
combination of Sandy giving detailed directions and explaining the proper etiquette for each step
of the meal.
The participants learned numerous skills, including how to handle a napkin and how to read a
table to tell what they will be served. Sandy discussed the importance of holding utensils the
correct way, in the palm of the hand with relaxed shoulders and wrists. In addition, she also
taught the participants how to communicate with their utensils to notify the server if they are
pausing or if they are finished.
Students who were unable to attend this year will have the opportunity to attend next year’s
Etiquette Dinner. In preparation, students should RSVP; the cost per person is five dollars.
Should finances become a challenge, there is a waiver that students can fill out.
Furthermore, students should consider what formal attire they will wear. Options can include but
are not limited to the following: dress slacks, dress shirt, sport coat, two-piece suit, dress skirt,
professional blouse, and dress shoes. If a student needs formal attire, he or she can go to the
Professional Clothing Closet, located on Miami Middltown’s campus. This closet is available to
all Miami Regional students and allows them access to professional business attire, free of
charge. There is a limit of one professional outfit per student. Students can either set up an
appointment via Handshake or they are welcome to stop by anytime between 9am-5pm, Monday
through Friday.
Questions regarding dinner etiquette can be referred to Sandy Hyde. Email her at [email protected], or students can find more information on her website: www.etiquetteschoolofohio.com. Inquiries regarding other professional and career opportunities
can be directed to Doug Reichenberger at [email protected].