In his spare time, Wilkins says he works around the house, watches Jerry Springer, sleeps, and volunteers twice a month at the Resurrection Lutheran Church, buying and preparing food.

Compared to his job with HUDS, where he can get called up in case of emergencies, Wilkins says, “that’s the best thing about church people...they don’t [call on me] at the last minute.”

Compared to his job with HUDS, where he can get called up in case of emergencies, Wilkins says, “that’s the best thing about church people...they don’t [call on me] at the last minute.”

THE ROAD TO HARVARD

“I did food service when I went to Boston High,” Wilkins says as he recalls the path of his career.

He first worked in a dining hall at Northeastern University, and then worked in the mail room at the Colbent Corporation for six years, opening letters and ensuring that shares of stock were sent in.

Laid off his job after September 11, Wilkins found work through All Star Staffing, working through the temp agency for three years until he was recommended to Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) last year.

Now permanently a HUDS employee, Wilkins works at the grill from Sunday to Thursday, coming in at one in the afternoon and leaving when the grill closes at 7:15 p.m.

His duties include prepping the food and batch cooking it, noting that his favorite food to prepare is “mostly chicken...I’m a chicken fan...because there are so many choices” with the preparation of the meat.

This summer’s renovation of the Dunster and Mather kitchens will make Grill Master Phil’s life a bit easier.

“I think it’s going to be marvelous...it’ll be a much happier place,” Wilkins says of the construction. “I just can’t wait.”

“We’re getting things we need...we’re getting upgraded,” he adds, mentioning a new char broiler which will enable him to burn diamond shaped grill marks onto the meat.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Wilkins speaks highly of his experience working in Mather.

“Working with HUDS is great for me...there’s never a dull moment,” Wilkins says. Mather students as well say that Wilkins is part of the reason why there is never monotony at the Mather House Grill.