Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of staff profiles meant to help the community get to know some of the different staff members that we see everyday. If you are interested in writing a piece on a favorite staff member or have someone you’d like to see profiled, please let us know by emailing hcclerk@gmail.com.
Last week, I got the chance to speak with Richard (Rich) Guthrie. He recently joined the Dining Center staff and you may know him as the person who keeps the omelet station running smoothly in the mornings! Keep reading to learn a bit more about Rich!
- What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In his free time, Rich enjoys exercising, specifically running. In fact, he is a professional marathon runner. He started training at 23 years old and actually began competing at 27 so he has been in the sport for almost 20 years. He is a very successful runner; he was once interviewed on nationwide radio for winning a 7k race—nearly 5 miles—in just 22 minutes. You can see more of his race times here, and here. Next month, he will run a half marathon in Philadelphia, his first since coming to the United States in 2017. You may see him running in the GIAC, or outdoors getting used to the cold. In addition to running, he also likes watching television; action movies are his favorite. He loves old school films such as Terminator 2 or pretty much anything that includes Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- Where did you grow up?
Rich was born and raised in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. Growing up, he loved to be active and outside, flying kites, playing marbles, and finding his passions in sports. He mainly played soccer, and competed until he was 23 years old. He made it to a professional Jamaican league, but had to shift to a career in running due to injuries.
- What is your favorite part of Haverford and your job here?
Rich’s favorite part of Haverford and his job here is cooking and interacting with students on a daily basis. He enjoys providing uplifting advice, and he treats us like family. He hopes to positively impact everyone.
- How is working at Haverford different from other places you have worked?
Rich has worked multiple jobs in the food industry since coming to the United States. He worked as a prep cook in a hospital and in a Jamaican restaurant in Philadelphia. He has always had a passion for cooking ever since he was 15 years old. Rich said the experience at Haverford is unbelievable because he has never worked around so many long-serving staff members, much of the dining center staff have been working at Haverford for twenty and even thirty years. In addition, Rich is a new member of the Haverford community, having arrived less than two months ago. He is excited to become a part of this warm culture and continue to familiarize himself with the campus.
- What’s your favorite food?
Rich’s favorite food to both eat and make is steamed fish with crackers. It is a part of popular Jamaican cuisine as it is not difficult to make, but very delicious. Fun fact: Rich was a vegetarian for 17 years and still enjoys a diet that surrounds vegetables, fruits, nuts, and all different kinds of beans because it promotes a healthy lifestyle.
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