FRED. It's not just a dean's name anymore. Now, it's
coffee, juice and bagels.
FRED — which stands for “Fast, Ready, Easy, Dutch” –
was Student Forum's name choice for the mobile food cart that made its debut on
campus this spring.
“Someone had mentioned Dean (Fred) Alford, and I was looking for a
name that was short and concise,” said sophomore Matt Smith, who won a mountain bike
for submitting the winning name. “It had to be something quick so that you could say,
'Hey, let's stop at Fred.'”
Smith, apparently eager for the prize, submitted a total of 70 entries.
It took him two mornings of brainstorming, he said. Among his other suggestions: UCOW
(Union Convenience on Wheels), DUCK (Dutch Union Convenience Kart) and Dutch Buggy.
Smith said he has met Dean Alford “a couple of times,” both
under pleasant circumstances.
Student Forum on Tuesday deliberated over 302 names submitted by 700
people, said Beth Wierzbieniec, Forum president. The name selection was the first item of
new business for the recently-elected body. The discussion was “much lighter”
than that for the second item of new business – moving rush to sophomore year, she
noted.
Plans are to add the name and perhaps a flag to FRED, said Steve Pearse,
director of dining services. Cathy Georgelas, the cheerful vendor/driver said she's
happy with the cart's new name, but admitted it will take some time for her to stop
calling it “Dutchmobile.”
And what about the man who inspired the name? “I'm really
touched,” said Alford. “I think I'll take the rest of the day off.”