Amidst the hustle and bustle of busy college life, this individual remains a positive light at Loyola University every evening.
Ruby Kennell not only works in the Market on main campus, her warm disposition and kind words help students and employees alike to take a calm moment before resuming their hectic lives.
“Whenever I go to the market and see Ms. Ruby, I will leave in a much better mood,” said August Bay, a Loyola religious studies junior. Bay lives on campus, therefore they see and talk with Kennell often.
Kennell has worked at the university for 19 years, and currently works as a cashier in the Market. Additionally, she was a lead Sodexo staff member.
Although she primarily works the register, Kennell also serves other duties such as stocking and cleaning the popular stop for the Loyola community.
Outside of her day-to-day tasks however, Kennell goes above and beyond to serve the Loyola students.
“It’s more than being a cashier,” Kennell said. “I do this for the kids. The students keep me coming back.”
Kennell acts as a mentor and a trusted adult for students still learning how to navigate the world and the ups and downs of life, according to Bay.
“I can talk to her about the small complaints of my day, whatever album I’m listening to, or if given the time real issues that I want to talk about with an adult,” Bay said.
Melanie Beelman, Loyola’s Sodexo Retail Manager III, is one of Kennells’s supervisors. According to Beelman, Loyola University and Sodexo “strive for all employees to provide exceptional customer service each and every day.”
According to the students, Kennell goes above and beyond the expectations of the university.
“She’s never had to give me advice or try to cheer me up, but without fail she does every time,” Bay said.
On the weekends, Kennell always tries to see and visit with her young grandkids, but during the week she spends much of her time at Loyola.
“I feel like their family,” Kennell said, speaking about how she relates to the students that come through her corner of the university every day. “I see them more than I see my own family, and I’m sure some of them see me more than they see their own family.”
Sophomore music industry studies major Aria Norman-Gesuelle said that Kennell always makes her day with her wonderful, welcoming smile and kind words.
“When they hurt, I hurt,” Kennell said. “I try to have at least a small conversation with everybody.”
According to Kennell, she doesn’t go out much anymore. She watches TV and movies to relax, in addition to spending time with her grandchildren.
“I always say I have two men: Costco and Sam’s,” she joked. “I don’t go anywhere too much like I used to.”
Kennell is a vital asset to the Loyola community. For nearly two decades, she’s watched students come and go, and has welcomed them with open arms. While the intricate details of her job may go unnoticed, a Loyola without Kennell would be like a lighthouse with a broken lightbulb.
“I think Loyola is a better place knowing that Ms. Ruby is always going to be looking out for us,” Bay said.
