Sterling Duncan, food service inventory control technician, retires on July 31 after 23 years at Akron Children’s.
Some things are dependable, like Arctic jackets and thermal underwear. And some people are dependable, like Sterling Duncan, Akron Children’s food service inventory control technician, who takes pride in his work and excellent attendance record. Put them together and they can overcome bad situations, including heavy snowstorms that shut down much of Akron.
It was a wintery January day, but Sterling didn’t let unpassable roads stop him from working his 5 a.m. shift.
“I live within walking distance to work,” he said. “I own an Arctic jacket. I wear thermal underwear to work, even during the summer, because I’m in and out of ultra-low temperature industrial freezers. I put on my hiking boots, did my best impression of Matthew A. Henson, the first African American to reach the North Pole, and walked to work. It took a minute, but when I crested the hill and saw Children’s, I knew I made it.”
This is just one of the reasons that people who know him call him Super Sterling. Equally remarkable are the setbacks he encountered, and overcame, in his 30’s. He dealt with unemployment, alcoholism and seven years of being homeless. Despite these obstacles, he found stability and sobriety, crediting his second chance, in part, to Akron Children’s.
After 23 years at Children’s, Sterling retires on July 31. Besides sleeping in, he plans to do what he already does: bicycling, attending Alcoholics Anonymous support group meetings, golfing when time permits and helping people in his neighborhood. He will also continue one of his favorite pastimes, picking up litter in his neighborhood, a meditative activity that quiets his mind.
What brought you to Children’s? Who gave you your start?
I was enjoying two years sobriety. I worked at a moving company sporadically and wanted steady employment. I accepted a two-week, temporary dishwasher assignment at Children’s. There were a lot of dishes to clean, and people in that job didn’t always come back. Sue Monsell, director of food services, saw me return day after day. She offered me the job full-time.
I’m loyal to Children’s. When they hired me, they helped me break the cycle. Stable employment felt good. I was a responsible person again.
Sterling Duncan, who is knowledgeable about the achievements and contributions of African Americans, wears a t-shirt to celebrate Black History Month at Akron Children’s. People who know him know that he likes to coordinate his hat with the clothing he wears.
Have you always worked in the same department and role?
I worked as a dishwasher, but my manager noticed I could read and count. She knew that after high school, I had earned a four-year bachelor’s degree from The University of Akron in mechanical technology. Children’s wanted to ensure more accuracy in its food service inventory control, which includes perishable and nonperishable food, paper, and cleaning supplies and equipment. They wanted a person with my skills. I was offered a full-time stocking job and began working as an inventory control tech.
What have your biggest contributions been while here?
I’m very aggressive about maintaining food safety and avoiding contamination. I’m careful about expiration and use-by dates. Any old food, we throw it out.
How has Akron Children’s changed since you started here?
Children’s food service has expanded over the years. With the addition of new buildings, our once-small area grew, too, and now accommodates multiple big walk-in freezers and coolers and stocking shelves.
What gave you the most satisfaction at work?
Knowing that the kids are getting well, and the work that I do is contributing to their healing. The doctors take care of the kids, but once they are done, then it’s food that becomes the healer.
I grew up in poverty and know firsthand how important it is for kids to have regular meals. It’s one of the reasons I embrace our mission statement of treating all children as if they were our own, and turning no child or family away based on their ability to pay.
Sterling Duncan wears a Superman costume on Halloween.
With so many little children here, did someone or something especially touch your heart?
One time a little girl came running out of her room and grabbed my leg in glee. Her mother had to peel her off. I don’t have any children. All the children here are my children.
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Planning what needs to be done and doing it to completion.
Do you have any advice for people just starting at Children’s?
Keep an open heart and mind and know why you are here. Don’t let people distract you from that.
What couldn’t you live without?
Food and water. Children’s has allowed me to enjoy both for a long time.
What’s the last book you read?
“Twenty-Four Hours A Day” by Richmond Walker
