James A. Walden, a food service worker and manager at various Penn dining halls for 30 years, died on October 2, 2025. He was 75.

Mr. Walden joined Penn’s staff in 1969 as a food service worker at what is today Hill College House. In 1978, he became a unit manager, and for the next two decades, held court at 1920 Commons, Stouffer Dining Hall, and Penn Athletics’ Training House, where he prepared student meals for Penn sports teams and for the Penn Relays. 

He is survived by his son, James Walden, Jr., and other family members.

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