Stevenson University’s Male Initiative of Leadership and Excellence (M.I.L.E), Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) and Career Services will host an etiquette dinner on April 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Rockland banquet hall.

The event will allow students to learn and understand the concepts behind formal dining etiquette, a necessary skill to develop prior to advancing into professional careers.

By attending, students will learn the protocol of formal dining from Cathleen Hanson, one of the directors of the International School of Protocol, who will facilitate the training during the etiquette dinner.

A three-course meal will begin with a salad, followed by the entree. Students will have a choice between chicken or a mushroom entrée, as well as a dessert option at the end of the dinner.

“The three courses allow members to have an idea of what foods to order when they are invited to eat in a professional setting and how to eat them,” said Nigel Read, former president of M.I.L.E.

This dinner is the perfect opportunity for students to begin learning how to behave in a various business situations.

M.I.LE, PBL and Career Services have collaborated to host three successful etiquette dinners in the past, typically during the spring semester of the academic year.

This year’s etiquette dinner added a mock-tail reception for before the dinner. The reception will feature light refreshments and offer key topics for students to discuss.

This new addition to the etiquette dinner will allow students to practice the skill set needed to hold conversations in a business casual environment, mimicking a potential scenario that may happen with employers and coworkers.

“This is an extremely important skill because many interviews are held over a meal, as are business meetings. It is a lifelong skill that students can use throughout their career,” said Anne Scholl-Fiedler, vice president of Career Services.

“Every time I attend one of these events, I learn something new.  Not only are there tips for how to hold your fork and knife, scoop your soup, pass the bread, and when to begin eating,” said Scholl Fiedler, “there is a full history lesson on how etiquette nuances have developed over the years.  There is something for everyone at this event.”