As most senior and junior students can recall, Janice Clutter was a long-time employee of Waynesburg University, often times seen swiping cards at Benedum Dining Hall during the dinner and lunch hours. Clutter, soft spoken and genuine, left the university in 2013 due to a job opening closer to her home.

“I loved my job at the school but the drive was getting the best of me,” said Clutter.

When she worked at Waynesburg, it was a 40-minute commute one way on a good day. However, if the roads were being worked on, that same drive was bumped up to 90 minutes.

“The lady I knew was retiring and the post office is 10 to 15 minutes away from house,” said Clutter.  “I heard about the job from a friend and applied. I wasn’t ready to quit working yet.”

Since her departure from Waynesburg, you can find her appreciating life in the small southwestern town of Crabapple with her grandchildren, family or even at a monthly get together with her friend group that has been intact for over 35 years.

“I am wonderful, I am enjoying my time now,” said Clutter. “I work part time [at the post office] and I am done by noon, so I spend time with my family, sister and friends. I work a little and play a little.”

Reading and gardening are also two of her favorite pastimes, often enjoyed in the summertime. Clutter joked that she definitely likes reading more than students do, since she does not have to study and read all the time much like the typical college student.

Being able to interact with students daily and build relationships with them is something Clutter sincerely misses from her time as the face of the cafeteria.

“I truly miss you kids,” said Clutter. “I miss seeing your faces every day. I miss you guys coming in every day telling me your dreams.”

She also misses the opportunity of baking daily and trying out new recipes in the cafeteria.

“I liked finding out what people like and what they didn’t.” said Clutter.

When asked about what she wanted to tell students, Clutter replied with to always stay positive.

“I would tell them to always stay positive, that you’re gonna get knocked down,” said Clutter. “Life is not always gonna be kind, but you have to persevere because things will get better. s long as you stay positive and have a smile to give somebody.”

She said you never know what anyone is dealing with on a daily basis and a smile could be just what that one person needed that day.

“It doesn’t hurt anybody nor does it hurt to be kind,” said Clutter.

She wishes her best to the students whom she has been fortunate to know. She has kept every note, card or keepsake from the university in a keepsake box.

As a last word for her former pseudo-grandkids or students, Clutter said, “Go out and do good things in your life.”