By Shelby Lynn Cash, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky — Which fork first? Why is there a spoon at the top of my plate? These questions and more were answered at the Dining Etiquette Program at Campbellsville University's Banquet Hall Nov. 8.

Terri Thompson was the keynote presenter at the program. She is the founder of the company Etiquette in Action, and has helped thousands to develop professional poise, confident communication skills and personal polish.

There were 38 participants at the program who benefited and enjoyed the presentation and meal. They were served steak, and it was free to those who signed up to reserve their spot. Freshmen through master's students participated.

J. Alvin Hardy, dean of academic support, funded the meals through the Office of Academic Support.

Campbellsville University's Office of Career Services began offering this program a few years ago and it has grown in popularity each semester, according to Teresa Elmore, director of career services.

The purpose of the dining tutorial is to provide a fun yet informative presentation and meal designed to teach professionalism and polish during formal dinner functions and business dinner interviews, Elmore said.

Anissa Myers, left, a student at the Brockman Center in Hodgenville came to the Dining Etiquette event, along with two others taking classes in Hodgenville Myers is with Teresa Elmore, director of career services, who organized the event. (Campbellsville University Photo by Bayarmagnai “Max” Nergui)

 

Thompson is from Paris, Ky. Along with Etiquette In Action, she expanded to her second company, Swizzle Stick Speaking, where her real life experiences have propelled her into a popular motivational speaker.

Bayarmagnai “Max” Nergui, a graduate student from Mongolia, is receiving his Master of Business Administration degree and said the seminar will “help me when I attend dinners with business professionals.”

“I learned how to properly use dinner place settings and also how to present myself in a business setting,” he said.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 63 undergraduate programs, 17 master's degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is Campbellsville.edu.