In most cases, the notion that one is so recognizable no surname is necessary is reserved for rock stars.

But for the past 11 years, Baker University has proudly showcased an exception to this rule, as every day at lunch “Baker’s Bono” swipes identification cards and offers students a grandmotherly smile.

Affectionately known as simply Norma, the food service line server announced her retirement Wednesday after more than a decade and several hundred students passed through the Allen Dining Room doors. 

Norma Sconce, 78, said she made the decision to retire a few weeks ago but remains unsure about what her future holds.

“I don’t have any plans yet,” she said. “I’m going to relax for a while, but I’m actually hoping that – and I don’t believe the university is hiring yet – I might be able to come back as a temporary person next semester to just work during the noon hours. But I don’t know if that would be possible.”

Senior Coop Cooper is in the camp that hopes a future return is plausible.

“Norma makes me want to go and eat in the cafeteria,” he said. “I can’t believe she’s going to be gone. She’s been here since I’ve been here. She is just one of those people that makes people feel better with her smiles.”

Norma said her smiles, which are reciprocated by the people she cares most about, are among several perks of her job that she will miss most.

“My fondest memories are all the nice things students do — the happy greetings and how they talk to me,” she said. “They always give me smiles and act like they’re happy to see me.”

Colin Waters, a 2007 Baker graduate, said Norma personifies compassion.

“I really thought she was kind of representative of the university,” he said. “The way she treated everybody, how she knew every student’s name and what they were involved in is the message Baker wants to send.”

In fact, it was Norma who made Waters realize Baker is a unique institution.

“When I came to BU Preview the fall of my senior year, I met Norma for the first time,” he said. “She was really friendly and interested in me. Then I came back in June and she remembered me. Only Norma has the capability of remembering one of many many students who walk through the door.”

“When Norma remembered me, that made me think Baker was a place a little less ordinary and made me comfortable in knowing I made the right decision.”

The love for Norma extends beyond just the students, however. University President Pat Long said Norma, an institution within the institution, would also be missed by the administration.

“I can’t imagine the Harter Union without her smile and care,” Long said. “She embodies everything Baker is about with her caring and concern for students.”

By retiring at this time, Norma qualifies for an undisclosed incentive the administration offered all faculty and staff members who are older than 59 1/2.

Chief Operating Officer Susan Lindahl said two other Baker employees have exercised this option, although she would not disclose their names because it is a personnel matter.

"We want to make sure those people have the opportunity to announce their retirement at a time when they feel it is appropriate," she said.   <br/>