Has there ever been a time when you were sitting in Huden Dining Hall and you felt like you were eating with a group of caged animals? Like the time you looked to your right and your friend is stuffing his food down as fast as he can, and the only utensils at his disposal are his hands. Then you turned to your left and your other friend has ketchup and mustard running down her face onto her shirt.

Well Judith Carruthers and the people at the Career Center may not think it’s quite that bad, but they may have some tips to make sure your buddy doesn’t accidentally take a finger off.

Last year, Carruthers worked with Sammantha Carruthers of the Castleton Business Club, to put together an Etiquette Dinner where students could brush up on the lost art of table manners.

“This is an opportunity for students to learn how to dress properly and how to handle themselves at a business dinner” said Judith.

Last year, students went in proper business attire and were seated in the Castleton Alumni room, where they received a lesson from Aramark Director Peter Merritt on the correct utensils to use, and how to act and show proper manners while eating.

Once the lesson was over, students were treated to a prime rib dinner.

“It was really beneficial last year and I look forward to going again this year,” said Kirstin Holmgren, a member of the Business Club.

With a year of planning for this semester’s etiquette dinners, students are in for even more tutelage this time around.

“It will be more informational and a lot more focused this year,” said Eli Willey, student coordinator for the dinners. “It is also a great way to get your name out to local businesses.”

Students will not only be treated to a full course meal and a lesson in etiquette, but they will also be introduced to some businesses from around the area and they will get a chance to pick the brains of some intelligent business people on things they look for in potential employees.

Some of the businesses wanting to come in and speak to students include Tropical Aquiculture, Kalow Technologies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and K-Mart.

“Students get to meet companies, learn how to interview at dinner, and get a great meal. You can’t beat that,” Judith Carruthers said.

She said she hopes to have dinners once a month with a new business coming in each time, but a date for the first dinner has yet to be named.

Also, instead of just hosting the Business Club, they will be opening their doors to all students who would like to attend with group sizes ranging from 12 to 15 students per dinner, she said.