Michael Hardrict, a service associate at South Dining Hall, is known to many as “Smiley Michael”—a nickname that couldn't be more accurate. Michael joined the ND Dining family over 40 years ago, in 1985, and has been a valued member ever since. If you know Michael, you know his love for Notre Dame and how it loves him back. As he says “I’ve seen it all and I’ve got so much in this head of mine.” We had the opportunity to sit down with Michael and learn what fuels the happy energy.
Like many of us, Michael’s journey isn’t necessarily linear. After high school, Michael started working at a local nursing home. Although he really enjoyed his day-to-day responsibilities, he had always been a longtime Notre Dame fan. When the opportunity to work at South Dining Hall presented itself, he applied and the rest is history, 41 years of history this year to be exact. Michael primarily tends special care to the beverage, soup, and cereal stations at SDH, ensuring positive dining experiences for students and guests. Not only does he juggle multiple responsibilities, he also leads the daily execution of the special partnership between ND Dining and the South Bend Community School Corporation. Through this partnership, Notre Dame Dining hosts interns with disabilities from South Bend High schools, providing work-based learning experiences and training. Michael gives back daily through this role and has loved mentoring students in this program for the past 26 years. He states “When the students first come to Notre Dame, they tend to be quiet, but I’ve been successful at opening them up and making them feel comfortable. Things we take for granted like pouring coffee, when they do it, it’s amazing to them and I love to see that.”
A tenure of over 40 years is impressive, and when we asked Michael why he’s stayed for so long, his answer was simple: “the students.” Michael’s seen many students come and go during his time with ND Dining, and he says that one of his favorite parts of the job is when students come back as alumni and remember him. He’s been able to meet “students of students" and see former graduates blossom into responsible adults living impactful lives. Not only does Michael make an impact on the many people that cross his path, the students make an impact on him too. Michael told us a special story that was an unforgettable moment for him. One day a student was leaving SDH and his headphones fell out of his pocket. Michael noticed, picked up the headphones and ran after the student in pursuit of returning this valuable item. After returning the item, the student said something that has never left Micahel, he stated “Thank you! I hope you have the best day ever of your life!” Michael said this stuck with him and truly meant a lot. Moments like this are what keep him going.
To hone in on Micahel’s quote “I’ve seen it all, I've got so much in this head of mine,” he shared with us some of the most exciting moments and events he’s encountered during his time working at Notre Dame. An avid Notre Dame football fan and annual season ticket holder, Michael holds Notre Dame football close to his heart. In 1988, he was able to experience the National Championship win, a moment he won’t forget. Additionally, Michael has a distinct memory of being at the Notre Dame versus Boston College football game when scenes of the movie “Rudy” were filmed. He even had to wear Georgia Tech gear to fit in with the scenes being filmed! Michael’s iconic moments don’t stop there, in 1987, he experienced Notre Dame hosting the International Special Olympics. He remembers how amazing it was to see competitors from all over the world and experience a mission near and dear to his heart be featured at Notre Dame.
We thought it would be fun to have Michael describe his time at SDH using one theme song of his choice. His answer, perfectly suited for him and his spirit, was the "Notre Dame Victory Song.” “Win, lose, or draw, the team always gives it the best they have. That’s what I'm trying to do here, I’m trying to make the people that come here, especially the students and guests, have a nice visit. The kids here are so far from home so I try to make their experience very nice, so every day I can say to myself I did the best I could” he states. A spirit that is truly encompassed in both the victory song and in Michael’s every day view on life.
If there’s one piece of advice Michael wants to share with Notre Dame students it’s “I know it’s hard, study and go to class, but enjoy it too, while you’re here on campus it’s ok to smile and have a good time! Enjoy these four years because you’ll never get them back.” We’re so thankful to have Michael at SDH and that he hasn't retired quite yet, although well-deserved. He states “Maybe that’s why I haven’t retired yet, I just enjoy the people. The Lord blessed me with my health and strength and I just thank the Lord every day.”
Thank you for your hard work, Michael! We’re lucky to have you on the team.