Irene Blum

When her husband passed away in 1978, Irene Blum sold the family acreage and moved to Cedar Falls. Seeking a new chapter in her life, she began working in food service at the University of Northern Iowa’s Campbell Dining Center, a position that would make her beloved by generations of students. 

For more than 20 years (1980-2001), Irene served as a checker at Campbell Hall, where her genuine interest in students made her a campus legend.

Her lively personality and good humor made every visit through her line a bright part of the day. She referred to her checker’s station as her throne and she loved seeing students smile as they came down the line toward her. Irene often recalled the advice given to her by her supervisor, Clark Elmer, “When you come to work, come to have fun.” She carried that philosophy with her every day, spreading joy wherever she went. 

Blum had a rare gift of remembering almost every student’s name. During one semester she memorized the names of 95% of students who came through her line. She believed that using a person’s name showed respect and recognition. 

“When you use a person’s name, you get into a conversation with them and you get to know their personality,” she said in a 1990 feature published in the Northern Iowan student newspaper. 

“She is most likely part of hundreds of alumni memories and stories of their time here,” said a person who nominated Irene Blum for this project. “She made sure every person she interacted with in Campbell Hall Dining Center felt seen. The small acts of friendship and support she offered to students is an example of what so many UNI staff have done over the past 150 years to help students succeed.”  

Later, the university would give a name to this long-held value, but for Blum and many others, putting “students first” was, and continues to be, simply part of the job.