Sandwiches Served With a Smile
- Jennifer Ward
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Nolan Locke
Anyone who has spent any significant amount of time on campus has been to The Hub, and most have waited in the sometimes seemingly endless line to get a sandwich late at night. Taking the somewhat mundane pilgrimage for a late-night snack is almost a rite of passage here.
However, there is one person who students say makes this otherwise boring expedition far more interesting.
Cesar Tolerado is the man who aids students' hunger after a long study session in the library or practice for a play.
Tolerado immigrated to the United States 20 years ago from Lima, Peru. His journey eventually led him to Purchase College, where he found not just a job, but a community. He says that “the students brought me here, to be able to interact with them every day is amazing.” He also added that, “having three months' vacation is also fantastic.”
Tolerado is a man who students describe to have infectious energy, and never without a smile, even in the late hours of the evening as his night shift drags on.
“Cesar works such a tough job and he always has so much light while doing it, and you can tell that’s coming from the fact that he's interacting with people,” says John Martin, a freshman acting major. “It's just always such a great interaction, I spill my day to him because he is always eager to listen.”
Tolerado works Saturdays through Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to the moment the Hub closes at midnight on weekdays or 2 a.m. on his weekend shifts. While many students come in simply for a sandwich, they often leave with more than just food.
Among the student body, he is known not only for his friendly demeanor but also for the quality of his sandwiches. “Cesar doesn’t only make the best sandwiches, but he makes them with a smile on his face,” says junior Cage Evinger. “Every time I get in line to get a sandwich at The Hub and see him, I cannot help but smile too. He is so kind, and it just makes my evenings brighter.”
As music plays out of the HUB’s speakers, you can often find Tolerado dancing while working, even encouraging students to dance along with him while he makes their sandwiches. “He’ll start dancing to the music, and my body just moves. Not in a weird way, or anything, but it just feels right dancing along with him,” said Evinger.
When asked why he is viewed as such a friendly figure, Tolerado responded with, “It’s simple, it's my character, everybody is special to me.”
Tolerado is responsible not only for preparing sandwiches but also for maintaining food safety, cleanliness, and organization behind the counter. Long after The Hub closes, he remains, cleaning the deli area and preparing the station for the morning shift.
“Cesar takes pride in his job, and that is clear in everything he does,” said Evinger. “Every time I see him, I can't help but admire his diligence to his job and the people he serves.”
Whether he’s taming the lines during the late-night rush or methodically wiping down the counters, Tolerado's presence is one of quiet dedication and tireless service. For him, it’s the students who fuel his spirit.
“This is my tribe here, with the students,” Tolerado said. “No matter who they are, I see them all the same. They are the lifeblood of the cafeteria.”
For many students, especially those far from home or managing the stresses of college life, Tolerado is more than just a Hub worker—he’s a bright spot in the day. “Cesar is always there to make my day better, no matter what kind of mood I’m in,” says Nate Thorn, a sophomore communications major. “It genuinely means so much to me.”
In a place where food is often rushed and interactions are fleeting, Tolerado takes the time to be present. He remembers faces, asks questions, and offers encouragement. His role may seem simple on the surface, but the impact he has is anything but.
Students come and go every year, but Tolerado remains, anchoring the Hub with warmth and a smile.