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Unsung Heroes of Ramapo: Sue Dykstra on Coffee, Basketball, and Ramapo Students

A Women’s HerStory Month Q&A with Sue Dykstra from Dining Services

You know her as just Sue in Common Grounds, but she is so much more than “just” anything or anyone. Sue is an integral part of the Ramapo community. We could not think of a better person to honor in our final installment of the Women’s History Month series.

by Liz Mendicino ’26

What do you like most about Ramapo Students?

I like that they’re very friendly. and we communicate, you know, we’d say hi to each other, even when I’m walking around, they address me and say hi, it makes me feel good.

How long have you worked at Ramapo? 

Fourteen years. 

Why did you choose to start working at Ramapo? 

Because I needed to just get a job. And my friend heard about this, when they came up for interviews and they hired me, and the rest is history.

What is your favorite part of your job at Ramapo? 

Socializing with the kids really makes my day. 

And what is your favorite part of working with student employees? 

I sometimes feel like a mother or a grandmother, you know, because they’re younger. They’re just younger than my kids. My kids are in their 30s, so, not quite at the grandmother stage with you guys yet. I like interacting with them and mentoring them since my kids are all grown.

What is your favorite memory from working at Ramapo?

I love going to the sports games, I enjoy, you know, going to the games and seeing the students play. I went to every game when the men’s basketball team was in the playoffs this year. If I can, I will, you know? I like the indoor games. I go to volleyball as well, and when the girls won last year, that was great. That’s a good one.

 

Students Give Sue Her Flowers

“Having worked with Sue for three years, I can say that she’s truly amazing. She helps however she can and always makes an effort to learn students names and chat with them. Sue always manages to make me laugh and having her as a coworker has been a blessing.” – Rachel Kobelski ‘26, Starbucks Employee

“Sue’s great because whenever we have a long line, she gets it down real quick and gets food done as fast as possible and she’s so kind and always asks people how their days are going.” – Vanessa Frank ‘28, Starbucks Employee

“Sue brings joy and light to whoever steps foot into the library. She knows everyone by name and really cares about each and every student here at Ramapo.” – Sarah Mitchell ‘25

“She is an amazing person. She always shows up for all the students. She shows up to every basketball game to support the basketball players and even the dance team. And she does a good job at catering for the students here.” Gianna Marchica ‘27, Dance Team

“Sue is great, I always enjoy talking to her. She’s so down earth and so real. We always chat about the craziness of Ramapo. That’s always fun, especially because we used to be coworkers through Ramapo dining. She’s the highlight of my day when I go see her over there. And, of course, Dee and the other ladies there, Rachel, Juana, everybody who works there is always awesome and so kind. I love her at the booth when she’s putting in my drink. She’s like, what do you want? Oat milk? I was like, yes, I want oat milk, please in my matcha latte.” Faith Duncan ‘26

“Sue serves delicious coffee with a smile and humor that never fails to make students’ day. Everyone who meets Sue walks away with a great drink and an elevated mood. You can tell she cares about the students, as she even starts to remember their drink of choice!” – Ava Cicero-Johnson ‘27

“We love Sue over here, 10 out of 10, always so friendly and so kind to the students. Any time that I’m coming to the common grounds and I need a pick me up. Sue is one of those pick me ups other than the drink that I order. Sue is someone that I want to give recognition to because although many love Sue, I feel like she deserves so much more than what she gets in being recognized as staff here. We just love Sue, ten out of ten, amazing.” Luannee Hernandez ‘26