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I work for a catering company in Philadelphia, in the UPenn Museum. A number of graduate schools, including Wharton and the Penn Medical programs use us for their interview dinners. Additionally, we also cater dinners and receptions for major corporations who are hiring UPenn students. We do everything from served dinners, buffets, and receptions. I cannot tell you how horrible the manners of these students are.
First, unless you are trained, you have no idea how to hold a plate, glass and napkin properly at a reception without giving the peope you network with a cold wet hand.
The state of these tables when we go to clean up is another issue. Propective employers, esp with Wharton students, look to see how you conduct yourself at a table. When you make a mess of the table, that is not a sign that says "Hire me, I'm polished and will impress anyone"
Manners are about impressions and treating others kindly. I'm sorry to say that it is sadly disappearing. It does not take much to learn and is often quite fun. At a RLW workshop we had Ma Nonnie come and teach us basic table etiquette. She was great, it was fun and I learned a lot. This isn't brain science.
AST's purpose is to "cultivate the cultural, social and ethical development of her members" I would without a doubt say that this falls under social development. But then that is me.
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