Julie Grant

How Julie Grant’s love for fun led her to NDSU Dining

Julie Grant says she was raised in a bowling alley and has the scores to prove it. “My high is 267,” Julie shared with a smile. “My dad owned and managed bowling alleys for more than 40 years. It’s where I grew up.” Julie bowls in a weekly league, competes in almost every tournament in the FM area, and goes to the State tournament every year.

But Julie’s high-spirited nature does not stop at bowling — Bison tailgating is a long-standing family tradition. As a Fargo-north native, Julie and her family were always Bison fans. “We’ve been tailgating for about 20 years,” Julie said. “What started as a little 10x10 tent and a $3.00 tailgate spot has turned into 10 reserved spots and a much larger green and gold tent. … It is a blast and I love the energy out there before a game!”

With her fun-loving energy, Julie found an ideal place in NDSU Dining. “It’s fun! A fun atmosphere where everyone is friendly and happy and accommodating. Everyone is so easy to work with,” she explained.

Julie’s cheerful personality comes packaged with a sharp mind. For the last two years, she has been with Dining as an Account Technician. She also manages the RDC office, manages meal plans, and receives all the phone calls and emails that come into Dining. Although she applied for the job because of her experience with accounts payable, she has found that working on a college campus and working with students have been the best part. “I love the campus feel and being surrounded by people. And NDSU’s benefits are much better than any other job I’ve had,” she said.

From tailgating to a job she loves, she now gets to share the benefits of being part of the NDSU community with her son, who is a freshman at NDSU. The financial benefit of the tuition discount is great, but the benefit of being on campus with him is priceless. “I love being able to see my son and his friends,” Julie said. “On my birthday I was having lunch in the dining center and he walked over and said, ‘Happy birthday, mom!’ It was the best birthday present ever!”