Bison Spotlight: Dawn Holm, office assistant with NDSU Dining

For 35 years, Dawn Holm has had a front-row seat to the daily rhythm of campus life at NDSU. From working with student employees to serving countless shared meals at NDSU’s dining centers, she has had a part in creating a space where community is built one conversation and one plate at a time, turning everyday moments into lasting memories for generations of Bison.

Some of her fondest memories include helping to serve memorable meals that students and community members gather to enjoy.

“Over the years, we have done many special dinners. Seeing the reaction and joy in the eyes of the student and customers is always fun,” Holm said.

Another favorable memory highlights the deep connections Holm has made with students, both current and past.

“We feed the families and incoming students during orientation. One of the parents looked at me and said ‘Dawn, you served me when I was a student here, and now my third child will be coming here,’” she said.

Holm got her start in the food service industry when she was 14. She originally went to college to become a police officer, but food service sparked a joy in her that has remained ever since.

Working at NDSU has been a highlight for Holm, who enjoys the dedicated dining team.

“I enjoy the whole NDSU community,” she said. “The students may change, but the work ethic that we see in the young people keeps me coming back day after day. The teamwork in the NDSU community is a strong support system.”

As the office assistant, Holm forecasts the menus, orders food and supplies, and handles the student hiring and payroll. In general, Holm likes that no day is the same.

“I enjoy the change and that every day presents a new challenge. The customers and student staff are always changing,” she said.

Other changes Holm has seen throughout the year include the menu, which now offers a broader range of meals to meet students’ interests. NDSU Dining provides students the most nutritional, innovative and high-quality dining experience on campus, as well as allergy-friendly options. Dining has received numerous awards and honors over the years, including the "Best On-Campus Dining Facility" in the 2025 MenuTrinfo National Allergy Awards.

With three dining centers and a food court, students have various options to choose from. Among some of the most in-demand meals Holm said Dining serves up each year are the popcorn chicken bowls, orange chicken, build-your-own mac and cheese, and pizza.

While her day-to-day isn’t always the same, a consistency Holm said she enjoys every day is seeing the customers happy and creating lasting bonds with students.

“I have worked with some wonderful students, part-timers and staff who have made the job at NDSU a great experience. I will always remember those individuals,” Holm said.