She is known as the most famous employee on UR’s campus. Students claim that in their four years at UR, they see and speak to her more than their very own professors. Students can always count on being greeted with her warm smile and presence every weekend at the Pit. Rumors are even circulating that she will have her very own show on URTV. So who is this legendary employee? Mrs. Dawn Marshall-Hosier.
Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Marshall-Hosier originates from a unique background of cultures that she cogently summarizes with the phrase, “I am African and Indian and raised in the Caribbean!” A member of the UR family for 13 years, Hosier, lovingly referred to as Dawn by all, has truly made an indelible mark on the lives of the undergraduates and faculty here at UR. A fortuitous excursion led her to Rochester several years ago, and she has gladly made the city and UR her new home. She can constantly be seen interacting with, advising and striking up conversations with students and their families, faculty and campus visitors as they are purchasing meals in Wilson Commons. Recently, her generous efforts were rewarded when she was named the winner of the 2007 Sigma Nu Fraternity Jean Valery Coumans Service Award.
Why do you think you are so popular on campus among students?
I love working at the University. I think I am so well known because I try to meet a new student and get to know something about them every time I work. I genuinely want every student to study hard and eat well.
Where are you from? How did you find yourself at Rochester?
I am from the U.S. Virgin Islands. I came to visit my sister, a nursing student at St. John Fisher, 13 years ago. I arrived here in mid-April, the peak of springtime, and fell in love with Rochester.
I fell in love with Wegmans, the Eastman Theatre and the abounding arts. I bought a house and never left. I made Rochester my new home. I now have four children, two boys and two girls, and I spend the majority of the week with them and work full-time here at the U of R on weekends.
What are your interests?
I love food! I love TV and traveling with my family. I have been to Mexico, Toronto, Kentucky – my favorite state – New York City, Florida, St. Thomas, Martinique, Trinidad, Tobago, Curacao and Venezuela.
And finally, are the rumors of your own show on URTV true?
Yes, the rumors are true! My new show will be called “Dining With Dawn.” It is a variety show with cooking and features on off-campus restaurants and behind-the-scenes with dining services. Students will get to see and meet my family because they will be a part of the show as well. The first episode is going to air on my birthday, Nov. 8, on URTV (Channel 4).
Venkateswaran is a member of the class of 2011.
