One of the things on everybody's mind lately is tradition. Many people feel that students are powerless to maintain tradition because of the impermanent nature of a student body at a four-year college. But there are permanent fixtures at this college. People that affect us every day of our college experience and have affected others for years before us.
If you have ever said to yourself "Goddamn, this Home Plate brownie sure is good" or "Jesus H., the food court chocolate chip cookie is delicious," the you have been affected by someone you never met, and unfortunately someone you may never get to meet.
For 31 years, Bob Grosse has been a baker at Dining Services. He is the second most senior employee at DDS. Until recently he was the head baker, yet many students probably never met him since the bakers come in early and spend most of their time in the bakery tucked away in the basement. But Bob's the one who delicately crafted all those baked goods that are among the most popular items on the menu. But Bob really is a master baker, more than a rice krispie treat mass producer. Years ago, when DDS was still heavily involved in catering, Bob was responsible for the incredible desserts that were part of every catering event.
He has been a dedicated employee for his entire time at Dartmouth, seldom calling in sick and always working hard. Even when his health began to decline three months ago, he still made it to work every day. He had to be sent home from work to the hospital to find out what was wrong with him. Today Bob is in the intensive care unit at DHMC dying of a rare strain of leukemia. He is not expected to make it through the week.
That people die is not really a concern at Dartmouth. We're all in the prime of life, and we're all far too concerned with the impermanent nature of college to even consider the impermanent nature of life itself. But unfortunately it is a reality and it is being hammered home to Bob and his friends and fellow workers at DDS.
If you get a chance, stop by Thayer dining hall an pick up a Home Plate brownie, Rice Krispie treat, or cookie and remember that there is a person who actually takes care that you enjoy it.
Bob has two sons, and his recipes will continue to tickle the taste buds of Dartmouth students for a long while.
