Spotlight: Spencer Feigelis, NSU cook, shares classical wisdom

By Ronald Martinez and Yasmin De Andrade Rodrigues •

For Spencer Feigelis, working at Razor’s Reef is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to interact with all the students who stop by Student Choice. Despite working in the industry for more than 60 years, a simple ad in the newspaper led him to NSU, and from there, he has already made himself known.

Spencer Feigelis, NSU cook, helps prepare a student’s order.

Spencer Feigelis, NSU cook, helps prepare a student’s order.“[My favorite moments] are the students – giving my words of wisdom to my kids out there,” Feigelis said. “I enjoy it, and I’m getting to know the students this year.”

Feigelis has worked in all aspects of food service, from bussing tables at a local pizzeria to working as the executive chef of a corporate kitchen. Even at the early age of 10, he worked in his family’s catering business. He may not think himself to be the best out there, but his 60 years in the industry proves he, at least, believes he knows what he is doing

More than just being a skilled worker, Feigelis spreads positivity to his “kids” daily. His honest sympathy and sincere kindness impact and inspire students every day when ordering at the Student Choice, including Julia Xavier, freshman entrepreneurship major.

“He was giving food to a girl who seemed mad, and he was being really kind to her,” Xavier said. “So, I smiled at him, and he said, ‘At least I got a smile from you.’”

Not only does he spread optimism on campus, but he also tries to do the same by just talking and interacting with people.

Once upon a time, he was in line with some friends for a wine festival, where he began talking with others to pass the time. One of them was a woman, who after three minutes of chatting with Feigelis moved ahead to the front of the line. Most were confused as to why she got to skip the line. She eventually came back asking if they were still in line. Feigelis, responded simply with, “Yeah, but we are having a good time.” Little did he know, the woman turned out to be the coordinator of the festival, who brought them to the front of the line.

“She said, ‘Look, I cannot get you guys in for free, but you don’t have to wait in line anymore.’ That’s what you get when you talk to people,” Feigelis said.

Feigelis is leaving his mark at NSU’s dining hall by transforming students’ experiences with his actions and memorable words of wisdom, some of which he even writes down in his notes app.

“It is better to look back on life and say I cannot believe I did that, then to look back and say I wish I would have done that,” Feigelis said. “Just be nice and kind to everyone. Treat them in the way you want to be treated.”