By: Faith Yoho

Ms. Karen continues to brighten the day of students and staff while remaining a staple of the WVWC community. 

Patrons of the French A. See dining center at West Virginia Wesleyan College are treated to the sight of Karen Leventry, or Ms. Karen as she’s better known when they visit the dining hall. She can often be found perusing a magazine, assembling silverware for holiday dinners, or simply greeting students and staff as they enter and exit. Though she doesn’t work on weekends, her presence during the week tends to cheer up even the most stressed of students. 

Ms. Karen has been working at West Virginia Wesleyan College for fourteen years. During this time she has made quite the impression on the Wesleyan Community. 

West Virginia Wesleyan College senior, Eden Reynolds, says “Ms. Karen has always been a consistent member of the Wesleyan faculty to brighten my day.”

She is often a woman of few words; choosing to say goodbye to students by saying a simple “okay.” However, if you are one of the lucky few, you may even be told “goodnight, dear.” This brief farewell has become a trademark for Ms. Karen, and many students look forward to hearing it each time they finish their meals.

When I asked Ms. Karen what she loves most about Wesleyan, she mentioned that she loves the students the most. The feeling is definitely mutual. 

Junior Remmey Lohr says, “Ms. Karen never fails to go above and beyond when it comes to her job. She not only swipes every student into the cafe, but she does hands-on work in the kitchen when needed.” This shows the dedication that Ms. Karen puts into the Wesleyan community that she loves.

Ms. Karen mentioned that she received the Staff Member of the Year award in 2022. To this, she said, “It was a great honor.” This award is voted on by the students to which Ms. Karen says, “…somebody up there likes me. The students like me and I like them.” Ms. Karen also mentioned that the students are usually very nice to her. 

Ms. Karen is and will remain to be a pillar of the Wesleyan community. She is a staff member who is beloved by students and goes above and beyond to better the Wesleyan experience. The name “Ms. Karen” is notorious on campus and she continues to be an integral part of the college culture. Ms. Karen is a very dear person to past and present Bobcats, and I have no doubt that this will also be true for future Bobcats to come. Ms. Karen encourages the Wesleyan community to come eat in the dining hall and say hello!