As many students shuffle their feet into the Capital Court every day, tired from long hours of studying and watching CNBC, there’s sure to be one
step that’s different from the rest.
No matter what time of morning, afternoon or night, Chris Crawford, commonly known by his nickname, “Chrismiss” marches through the Capital Court. Greeting students, students greeting him, and every so often even throwing out a dap, Chrismiss is one man who doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Believe—all day, everyday,” he proclaims as he pushes a cart full of clean cups across the dinning room floor.
And believe is what the students of Capital University do.
Crawford, who is a Columbus native, began working for Parkhurst Dining Services in 2007 and says that it has “been a pleasure” ever since. More than that, Crawford says that his job with Parkhurst Dinning Services at Capital is a blessing.
“I get to meet all different types of people, with brilliant and different ideas. It’s a blessing. A real blessing,” he said. It is obvious that Crawford is truly one man who loves, values and appreciates his job.
“I don’t know if the students realize it, but they play such a major role in my life. In my every day, and always on my mind. I want the best for all of you. You’ve all given me so much,” Crawford said.
Crawford went on to say he tries to help students become aware of the challenges that they might face in life. On the same level, he wants to help students move on from those challenges.
He can often be overheard singing uplifting lyrics while busily tidying up the cereal bar.
Moreover, his inspirational sayings are take homes for many students.
“Never, ever lose the task at hand. Even when you have to duck the obstacles,” Crawford says as he daps a student’s hand upon entering the Capital Court.
Crawford said part of what makes Capital such a special place is that, “here the people see you for who you are. It’s hard to get a job nowadays, especially without people examining you for your outer qualities first.”
At Capital, he said, people stick with each other, and even him “through thick and thin.”
That makes for an easy place to work for someone who has had anything less than an easy life.
A Mt.Vernon Street native, Crawford graduated high school and was soon thrown into the ropes of parenting. After beginning the tough life of parenting, Crawford experienced the death of the mother of his two sons in March of 2006.
“When stuff like that happens, you have to do whatever it takes,” Crawford said.
Cameron Musgrave, freshman, says that Crawford is an inspiration to all.
“He’s always in a good mood. He’s always happy to be here and genuinely cares about the students,” Musgrave said. “He’s just a great person to be around.”
Student after student had nothing but praise for the Parkhurst employee.
“He’s so funny! And so nice!” said one student.
Crawford is also a big supporter of Capital Athletics and can often be seen on the sidelines at games cheering on his team.
“If I could eat a fancy dinner with anyone, it would be with all the Cap students,” Crawford said. “I would take ya’ll out to dinner.”
