“The room is decorated with toys and smiling faces. It’s truly a Kodak moment when a grandmotherly woman walks in the room. Her sunny disposition, boundless energy and sense of fun make her a real-life Mary Poppins. Rosa Terry, 79 years old, has dedicated 23 years to the University of Akron Center for Child Development as the food service coordinator.”
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The room is decorated with toys and smiling faces. It’s truly a Kodak moment when a grandmotherly woman walks in the room. Her sunny disposition, boundless energy and sense of fun make her a real-life Mary Poppins.

Rosa Terry, 79 years old, has dedicated 23 years to the University of Akron Center for Child Development as the food service coordinator.

The center was first established as the Nursery Center in 1969. Since her start in 1983, Terry has been faithfully devoted to the center.

Center for Child Development Director Yetty Michaels said, She’s a very dedicated woman.

She puts in her very best effort daily. Another word for her would be dependable, Michaels said. She hardly misses work for being sick, and she’s almost 80.

Michaels continued to show her appreciation for Terry by calling her a blessing. But before such a blessing arrived, the beloved ‘Rosa,’ as most know her, worked in the Irma Jones Daycare for 13 years. She then worked at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron for three years as a food service coordinator before finding a home at UA.

Terry said she found the Center for Child Development through God.

The Lord decided for me to work here. I give him credit, Terry said. I was glad to get this job because back then jobs were hard to find.

This job is truly a blessing because I was a single woman and I needed a steady job.

Terry elaborated on the dilemma she was in before her move to UA.

At the hospital where she worked, hours were short and people were being laid off. This created a financial burden for Terry, who is the mother of three boys. A friend of hers, aware of her predicament, offered her a job at UA. Terry said she was told the job was hers for the taking.

The rest is history.

Terry is most known at the CCD for her mouth-watering culinary miracles.

Young children at the center, as well as the parents of the children, rave about her phenomenal cooking.

Terry cooks for approximately 100 to 140 children every day. Each meal is as appetizing as the last with the home cooked goodness derived out of cooking from scratch.

Terry said she gained her cooking skills through years of experience.

I mostly picked things up along the way. My mother died when I was a baby so I’m self taught, she said. I might not be the best cook, but I’m the best I know how (to be).

I want people to remember I always did my best period.

According to Michaels, Terry goes above and beyond the call of duty. She makes special substitutions for kids with allergies, plans the menu, does all the shopping for the center once a week and uses coupons to help the center save money.

People cut coupons and send them to her because they know Rosa will use them, Michaels said.

After years of service, Terry is often recognized when she leaves the center. A few times, former children of the center, now adults, recognize their ‘Rosa’ years after they have grown up.

The Associate Director of the Center for Child Development, Sophia Kraus said, Rosa is our own little celebrity.

People recognize her wherever she goes, she said. The kids see her in the store, pulling on their mothers and they say ‘that’s Mrs. Rosa.’

Terry has inspired everyone at the CCD to live a meaningful life.

Lots of students take me as a mother figure, Terry said. Student assistants would call me mom. Kids just seemed to like me. I never thought about what they looked at me as.

They just looked at me as Mrs. Rosa.

Michaels said she is seen as Mrs. Rosa who was always there.

Terry’s life is also an inspiration to Michaels.

I want to be like her when I grow up. Looking good, being in good shape, dedicated. She takes care of her health, Michaels said. Six years ago she walked six miles a day. A women who is almost 80 and giving 100 percent is very important to see this day and age.

Michaels said Terry has taught the faculty a lot, including how to use coupons.

As Terry’s 80th birthday approaches in March, she does not seem ready to retire. She shares her three main motivations for continuing at the center.

One, I really love my job and the people I work with; two, financially it helps me. My disabled son lives with me, and all the bills fall on me; three, I enjoy cooking.

Terry’s job adds to the quality of life at the University of Akron. She adores her work, something others seek to achieve in their careers and life.

According to Terry, to be successful in life one must first give honor to God, and then give your best to whatever you do.

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” #1.1361454:2364219243.jpg:20071129_ROSA_KG.jpg:Rosa Terry does all the shopping for UA’s CCD and even cuts coupons to save money.:Kim Graham”