2008 Woodie Awards
Famous Amos: A true icon of integrity at YSU
Chelsea Pflugh, Features Reporter
Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: Campus Life
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You can't mistake his smile, his laugh or his stories. You may know him as "Famous Amos," the smiling man behind the grill at Christman Dining Hall.
No matter who you are or how many times you talk to him, Amos Walker will leave a lasting impression.
He is a role model and a friendly face who makes you feel right at home. He cherishes his life, his career and the students he interacts with everyday.
He transcends generations, sees no diversity in anyone he talks to, and treats everyone equally. It's why he is beloved here at YSU.
Whether it's his famous barbecue sauce, his witty jokes or his sage-like advice that draws people to him, Amos is a true YSU icon.
It is the story behind the man, however, that has brought him to where he is today and has made him who he is.
Our famous Amos was born in 1942. He grew up in Girard and graduated from high school here in Ohio. He then enlisted in the Army and traveled to Fort Knox, Ky. for training.
While there, he and a friend decided to go to cooking school together. Amos reflected on his decision to go into cooking.
"The more I experimented with food, the more I realized I could do. I thought, 'Hey, this cooking thing is great.'"
Amos has degrees from culinary institutes in Youngstown and New York. After his education, Amos moved south to Miami, Fla. for 20 years. His various cooking jobs ranged from the Fountain Blue Hotel to the Sunworld Cruise Ship.
Amos then moved back north to Boston in the late '60s, but claims he quickly became bored there so he returned to Miami to work. He dabbled in the drug scene for about eight years but got out in 1973.
Though he was quite the traveler, he eventually returned to northeast Ohio. Amos' mother passed away shortly after. He found comfort in the church.
In 1988, a friend got him a job at YSU, and in 1989 he was employed through Dining Services and has worked here ever since.
"Coming back to the Youngstown area and being a part of YSU is the best thing that's ever happened to me in my life," he said.
No matter who you are or how many times you talk to him, Amos Walker will leave a lasting impression.
He is a role model and a friendly face who makes you feel right at home. He cherishes his life, his career and the students he interacts with everyday.
He transcends generations, sees no diversity in anyone he talks to, and treats everyone equally. It's why he is beloved here at YSU.
Whether it's his famous barbecue sauce, his witty jokes or his sage-like advice that draws people to him, Amos is a true YSU icon.
It is the story behind the man, however, that has brought him to where he is today and has made him who he is.
Our famous Amos was born in 1942. He grew up in Girard and graduated from high school here in Ohio. He then enlisted in the Army and traveled to Fort Knox, Ky. for training.
While there, he and a friend decided to go to cooking school together. Amos reflected on his decision to go into cooking.
"The more I experimented with food, the more I realized I could do. I thought, 'Hey, this cooking thing is great.'"
Amos has degrees from culinary institutes in Youngstown and New York. After his education, Amos moved south to Miami, Fla. for 20 years. His various cooking jobs ranged from the Fountain Blue Hotel to the Sunworld Cruise Ship.
Amos then moved back north to Boston in the late '60s, but claims he quickly became bored there so he returned to Miami to work. He dabbled in the drug scene for about eight years but got out in 1973.
Though he was quite the traveler, he eventually returned to northeast Ohio. Amos' mother passed away shortly after. He found comfort in the church.
In 1988, a friend got him a job at YSU, and in 1989 he was employed through Dining Services and has worked here ever since.
"Coming back to the Youngstown area and being a part of YSU is the best thing that's ever happened to me in my life," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Greg
posted 11/29/07 @ 11:18 PM EST
Amos is pretty much one of the nicest guys I've ever met. I'm glad to see a good article about him, and I learned a lot about him.
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