“If you’re with the winners, you’re going to be a winner.”
That’s the life philosophy of Stevenson food services supervisor Shawnee Godwin.
Godwin has been working in dining services for 27 years, starting her career in 1998 at McDaniel College with Sodexo Marriott. After 20 years there, she made the transition to Stevenson University, where she has now worked for seven years. Throughout her time in dining services, she’s served thousands of Mustangs and made countless meaningful connections.
And those encounters have informed her thoughts on life.
“If you’re with the winners, you’re going to be a winner. Life has changed so much, and it’s not easy out there for the youth of today. I’m pushing retirement age, so I’m in a different aspect of my life. But I’ve got children and grandkids, and I just want them to follow their dreams, stay with the winners and focus on the positive.” Godwin said.
Meet Shawnee Godwin, a dining services veteran who’s dedicated 27 years to serving others, including 7 years here at Stevenson.
Q: What inspired you to start your journey in food service with Sodexo, and what has kept you in campus dining for 27 years?
A: I was a stay-at-home mom back in the early ‘90s. At the time, people still read newspapers for job postings, and I saw an ad for a part-time catering job at McDaniel College with Sodexo Marriott. I applied, got the job, and have been with Sodexo ever since. I spent 20 years at McDaniel College before coming to Stevenson University.
Q: What has kept you working at Stevenson for so long?
A: The students. They’re my heart. Every year, I get to watch young people come in as freshmen, unsure of themselves, and then see them grow into strong, confident adults by the time they leave. I’ve always told them, “Stay with the winners. Keep your head up and push through.” If I can be a bright spot in someone’s day, that’s all that matters to me.
Q: What was it like working at McDaniel College in food service?
A: McDaniel is an old college, and the dining hall was in an 1890s building. That came with challenges, but we had a major renovation that improved the facilities. Over the years, I worked in multiple roles, including running what we called “The Pub,” which stayed open until 12:30 AM. We also had a coffee shop and store where I worked for many years.
Q: How has campus life changed since you first started?
A: It’s changed a lot! The way students eat, how they interact—everything is different. When I started, there weren’t as many food options, and people actually sat down and had conversations. Now, everything’s so fast-paced, and students are always on the move. But one thing hasn’t changed: everyone still needs a little kindness in their day.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from working here?
A: There are too many to count, but I love when former students come back just to say hi. Some of them have kids now! They tell me, “Miss Shawnee, you always told me to follow my dreams, and I did.” That makes everything worth it.
Q: What advice do you give to students who are struggling?
A: Stay focused and surround yourself with good people. Life is hard, and it’s easy to get caught up in the wrong things. But if you stay with the winners, if you stay around people who lift you up instead of drag you down, you’ll make it through.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: Retirement is coming soon, but I’m not the type to sit still! I want to spend more time with my grandkids and maybe do some traveling. But no matter where I go, Stevenson will always be in my heart.
For 27 years, Shawnee Godwin has done more than just serve meals—she’s built relationships, offered wisdom, and left a lasting impact on generations of students. As she prepares for her next chapter, one thing is certain: her presence will be missed, but her legacy will live on.
