Hernando Reporter

Premier food service Management Company, co-owned by Earvin “Magic” Johnson, will serve students at Florida’s first historically black college or university highlighted by $2.2 million facilities investment in campus dining

Earlier today Edward Waters University (EWU) announced the launch of a long-term partnership with a new campus dining service provider SodexoMAGIC. The new agreement will deliver $2.2 million in campus dining facility renovations including a comprehensively reimagined student dining space (with elevator access), a separate after hours/late night new student dining grill, as well as a new faculty, staff, and presidential dining room. The impending dining facility overhaul will be the first major multimillion dollar student dining renovation undertaken on the campus since the dining hall was first constructed in 1971. Additionally, SodexoMagic will be the institutions first new food services provider in 17 years with the new contract set to begin on July 1, 2022.  The historic partnership also marks SodexoMAGIC’s first with a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Florida.

“The best part about the on boarding of this new dining service provider is that we, as student leaders, had a primary part in in selecting the vendor,” said Brianna Pendergrass, Senior Biology Major and Miss Edward Waters University.

“I’m thankful to President Faison and the entire administration for how they turned our comments, critiques, and suggestions for change into a reality that will support our entire campus community and especially the student body.”

Edward Waters University Partners with SodexoMAGIC

EWU’s new partnership comes following an engaged RFP and nearly 12-month selection process where a cross section of university stakeholders including students and university employees had an opportunity to thoroughly assess and vet the selected vendor last fall. The winning vendor, SodexoMAGIC, is universally known for its chairman, NBA Hall of Famer, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and its service to a growing number of corporate and university/college clients that include Delta Airlines, Toyota, the Walt Disney Company, and sister HBCU’s Morgan State University, Grambling State University, and Tennessee State University respectively.       

“Our students are at the very forefront of our #EmergingEminence at Edward Waters University,” said Edward Waters University President & CEO, Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr.” We can hardly contain our excitement for this groundbreaking new partnership with SodexoMAGIC that promises to bring a significant positive transformation to our campus community and most pertinently to the overall experience for our Tiger students.”     

The new partnership will include a year-long modernization of campus dining facilities and services and the launch of new program features that includes but is not limited to the following:

• New dining menus overseen by Chef G. Garvin, nationally acclaimed TV host, author, and NAACP Image Award winner
• A New Mobile app feature for ordering takeout and made-to-order items
• Allergen-friendly meal programs to support vegetarians and other specialized dietary needs
• Specialized nutritional programs to support maximized performance of EWU student-athletes
• Designated resource allotment for student related Student Government Association sponsored events and activities     

“We are excited to partner with Florida’s first HBCU at Edward Waters University and are equally committed to investing in the students at EWU,” said Earvin “Magic” Johnson, NBA legend and chairman of SodexoMAGIC. ”My SodexoMAGIC team is dedicated to providing an exceptional service experience to the Edward Waters students, staff, and community in support of their mission of making impactful marks as leaders and agents of positive change in the Jacksonville community, the state of Florida, our nation, and the world.”      

EWU/SodexoMagic Deal Brings Facility Renovations & New Additions

As a part of the new multi-year partnership, Edward Waters University’s campus will receive $2.2 million in facility modernization updates and new additions that include:

• A full scale renovation, modernization, and wholly reimagined and expanded student dining space
• New after-hours/late night student campus grill
• Faculty/staff and presidential dining room
• Enhanced campus dining accessibility via elevator installation for student/faculty/staff use
• Dining hall exterior renovation & aesthetic enhancement

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with Edward Waters University and serve its talented students,” said Ms. Selena Cuff, President of SodexoMAGIC. ”We are excited to expand our brand into the Florida marketplace through the state’s first HBCU as these institutions are very special places and we are proud to add EWU to our growing network of HBCU’s across the country as we continue to serve students and deliver nutrition, inspiration, and comfort to fuel their academic and personal success.”       

SodexoMAGIC’s investment in capital renovations and new modern facility additions coupled with its offering of a state-of-the-art new dining program promises to bring an incredibly heightened new experience to students at Florida’s first HBCU.

“As a corollary to our continued growth and history making development as Florida’s newest university we are cognizant that our student experience must simultaneously match the expansion of our academic profile,” said President Faison. “This exciting partnership with SodexoMAGIC is recognition of that fact and serves as a substantial additional step in our continuous and ongoing effort towards that end.”

Original source can be found here.