rocc-johnson
Rocc Johnson and his Halloween candy display in the Heilman Dining Center.

Get to know...Rocc Johnson

December 22, 2022
Robert “Rocc” Johnson was recently recognized with a Business Affairs Award for his dedicated service to students in the Heilman Dining Center.

Robert “Rocc” Johnson was recently recognized with a Business Affairs Award for his dedicated service to students in the Heilman Dining Center. Rocc was also recognized this month during the December 13 men’s basketball game for making a difference in our campus community. He received recognition at center court as part of Strange’s Spider in the Spotlight, a bouquet from Strange’s Florists, and applause from the crowd.

What is your favorite part of working for Dining Services?

Rocc says that his favorite part of being a utility associate is meeting and talking with students from many different places and backgrounds. As a born and raised Richmonder, he enjoys getting to know our students and says that they have given him a different outlook on life. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus?

After working for Dining Services for the past seven years, Rocc is proud to say that his favorite spot is the Heilman Dining Center. Although he has recently started working more in the Queally Center, he still enjoys spending his lunch breaks mingling with friends at D-hall. “Because,” he affirms, “the dining hall will always be my first love here.” 

Do you have any hobbies?

Rocc received a music production certificate from Berklee Online and has performed for Def Jam and Sony. He also enjoys working with students to enhance their musical passions. At his home recording studio, he produced music for Braxton Hughes, a redshirt senior quarterback from North Carolina. In his free time, Rocc loves making beats and listening to Notorious B.I.G., Dr. Dre, and his personal favorite artist, Sade.

What UR special events do you love?

Four years ago, Rocc began giving out candy to UR students on Halloween. It started when he brought leftover candy bags for trick-or-treaters in his neighborhood but has been expanding ever since. On Halloween night 2022, Rocc set up his largest display yet in the lobby of the Heilman Dining Center. Students who support his music career on social media were able to reserve bags, but no one was turned away. Rocc made and handed out 225 candy bags and hand-wrote greeting cards for every student who stopped by the table. 

Even without the free candy, students regularly submit feedback on Rocc’s generosity and kindness. Of the many positive comments received about Rocc, perhaps Griffin King, ’23, says it best.

“Rocc is one of the best guys I've met. Hard worker and extremely friendly to everyone. He really makes UR seem like a home.”