Lamont-promo
Utility Associate Lamont Johnson shares a laugh with Executive Chef Tyler Betzhold before the HDC dinner rush.

Cheers to 24 Years

January 25, 2023
Lamont Johnson retires after nearly 25 years of service in the Heilman Dining Center.

Lamont Johnson began working at the University of Richmond in 1998 and will retire at the end of January 2023. While the Dining Services team will miss him very much, everybody is grateful to have been able to work with him for so long. Johnson agrees that his coworkers and the memories they share are what he will miss most about his job.

A favorite memory is playing basketball games with his coworkers, competing against students in UR’s organized intramural sports program. He and other members of the Dining team had a lot of fun practicing together and Johnson says he made sure the “Underground Dining Team” was a winning one.

Johnson will also miss interacting with the students at HDC. He says, “I try to make everyone feel special when they come into the dining hall - anything they need, I will get for them,” and that in return, the students only get more kind every year. Johnson will also miss working during graduation at the Robins Center, the time of year on campus that he considers most exciting.

Since starting at UR, Johnson has never left Dining Services or the HDC. As a utility associate, Johnson does a little bit of everything and knows everything about the building. When asked what advice he would give to the next person in his position, he said, “Have respect for your co-workers and have their back always. And listen to your manager!” Other than his co-workers, Johnson says the best part of his job is being able to eat all the food he wants! And who can blame him?

Originally from Wilson, North Carolina, Johnson is the oldest of three siblings. He considers himself a very family-oriented man and is grateful to retire in good health. He is looking forward to spending more time with his children and is considering a move to Philadelphia to be closer to his daughter.

Since joining the workforce in 1973, Johnson says his job at UR was his best one and each day on campus has been perfect for him. "The university has always been good to me,” he said. He is very proud to have had this job for so long, and his positive attitude will be missed by students, faculty, and staff. We wish so much happiness and health for Johnson in retirement. Cheers to 24 years, Lamont!

Fun Facts: 
Lamont’s favorite food at D-Hall is an omelet. 
Besides D-Hall, Johnson’s favorite on-campus spot is The Cellar!