SCU Dining Services

“What does the world need? The world needs more people like Cecelia.”

There may be no greater compliment than being recognized by the students you serve.

During the Santa Clara University Commencement ceremony, Valedictorian Charlie Silver honored our very own Bon Appétit cashier, Cecelia Carrasco, in his speech, recognizing the extraordinary impact she has on the campus community.

“She treats everyone like a friend before they are given a reason to. She remembers our names, asks how things are going, asks about our families—and actually means it.”

As Charlie shared, Cecelia reminds us that creating belonging isn’t accidental. It happens because someone chooses to make every person feel seen, valued, and welcome.

He closed with a message that brought the audience to applause:

“Somebody decided we were worth their time, without making us prove it. Take that with you... Find the person doing the math to calculate whether they belong and answer that question for them before they leave and ask it out loud.”

Cecelia was also recognized this year with Santa Clara University’s Associated Student Government Michele Bazanson Award for Empowered Leadership and Agency—an honor that perfectly reflects the impact she has on students every day.

Congratulations, Cecelia, and thank you for reminding us that hospitality isn’t just about serving food—it’s about making people feel like they belong.

A special thank you to Valedictorian Charlie Silver for sharing such a meaningful tribute and reminding all of us of the power of kindness, community, and belonging.

And to the Santa Clara University Class of 2026—congratulations! We wish you every success as you begin your next chapter.