Shepherd University Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Community Relations Holly Frye passes a dish, during the inaugural Supper Club dinner last year. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — At the end of last school year, Shepherd University Dining Services came up with a new idea, to develop the palates and etiquette skills of students and local residents alike.

The first Supper Club was held in April 2024, with a business dining experience themed around Italian cuisine.

“Chef Ben Fogtman and his culinary team curated a ‘Tastes of Tuscany’ menu that promised to be unforgettable, while the catering team made sure no detail was missed,” said Shepherd University Dining Services food service director Katy Mong. “As guests mingled with spirit-free signature mocktails and delectable appetizers, like bruschetta crostini and antipasto skewers, they were encouraged to share highlights of their academic year with one another. [They then enjoyed] dishes like Osso Buco, Chicken Florentine, Parmesan Polenta and broccolini. The evening culminated with a sweet finale of tiramisu and cannoli — a delightful end to this culinary journey through Tuscany.”

One of the students to attend that first dinner was Shepherd University Katie Keckler, who is a senior that is double majoring in communications and English. Keckler enjoyed the experience so much, that when more Supper Club dinners were scheduled for this school year, she signed up right away.

“I’ve been to every single one!” Keckler said, mentioning that before joining the Supper Club, she had never eaten bone marrow. “Each one has a different theme and usually explores a different culture. It’s really great to experience eating foods from different areas of the world.”

She noted that one of her favorite Supper Club dinners so far was a French cuisine-themed one, which was held earlier this semester.

“Getting to see a lot of things that you don’t normally see, is such a great experience. Especially since, with living on campus, I’m usually eating regular dining hall food,” Keckler said. “Everyone I know who goes becomes obsessed [with it], and comes back to every following one!”

For Shepherd University students with a meal plan, attendance is free, according to Keckler. That makes it all the more worthwhile to participate for them. Community members, of course, must pay to attend the dinners, which are currently held in the old dining hall at Shepherd. Previously, the dinners were held in the Fireside Bistro on campus, but with the great growth in attendance, the dinners had to be moved to a location with more seating.

“Supper Club at Shepherd University is where students, faculty and staff are treated to an extraordinary fine dining experience right on campus,” Mong said, mentioning the idea for Supper Club was inspired by the success of similar initiatives at other universities. “This dining services-hosted event has gained popularity across many other campuses, like the University of Delaware and Shippensburg University.”

The Supper Club has already proven itself to be successful at Shepherd, according to catering manager Tiffani Sheppard, based on its continual growth in attendance. Through the dinners, she hopes to prepare participants to confidently navigate the business dining environment, while in a comfortable atmosphere.

“Mastering business dining etiquette isn’t about following rigid rules — it’s about showing up with confidence, being present and fostering meaningful connections. By leaning in with poise and professionalism, you not only represent yourself well, but also set the stage for many greater opportunities,” Mong said. “Strong leaders cultivate relationships, and use business dining to build trust and rapport.”