Friendly Faces: Sandy Mileski

For 28 years, Sandy Mileski has been a familiar face at UNCW, greeting students as they enter The Shore dining hall. To many students, she is more than just a greeter. Known for her humor, kindness and free-spirited nature, Ms. Sandy, as many know her, has become a campus icon. Although students only see her for a few moments as they enter the dining hall, she aims to brighten their day as much as they brighten hers.

“These students are an inspiration to me because I see how hopeful they are, and their youth is always refreshing,” Mileski said. “They are always telling me how I make their day, but they don’t understand they make my day.” 

Before becoming a familiar face at The Shore, Mileski followed several career paths in different states. She began in Ohio and later moved to California where she spent 10 years in the medical field as a phlebotomist. She then moved to Durham, North Carolina, with her sister and eventually made her way to Wilmington in search of a “much-needed change in scenery.” 

That change brought her to UNCW Dining, where she has spent nearly 30 years working in eight different locations on campus as an Aramark employee. Along the way, UNCW became more than just her workplace; it became a place where Mileski builds long-lasting relationships, including meeting her husband of 27 years, Ramon Torres, who has worked at UNCW for three decades, most recently in Wagoner Dining Hall.  

Despite her own hard work at UNCW, Mileski is quick to shift the spotlight onto others. “I like to give other people more recognition than myself,” she said. “I feel better inside to do that.” 

This kindness and modest nature are a big part of Mileski’s memorability with students and colleagues alike. Throughout her life, she has always been described as free-spirited. She describes herself as a “peace-loving, flowerchild, animal-loving hippie.” 

This aspect of her personality shapes the way she treats students, as well as the advice she hopes they will carry with them long after leaving UNCW. She tells them, “It’s in your spirit, in your soul, that faith will get you through anything that you face in life. Any situation, any challenge, always have faith.” 

Among her nearly three decades with UNCW, Mileski has adored meeting countless students, faculty, and family members. Among her favorite memories is working with former Chancellor Emeritus James Leutze, who served as chancellor from 1990 to 2003. 

“The faculty and staff have been so gracious and kind,” she said. “You know who I loved? Dr. Leutze. He was really cool. I had really good experiences with him.” 

Today, Mileski is focused on family and what will come next for her. One of her main goals is helping her granddaughter, whom she raised, finish college. When she eventually retires from The Shore, she hopes to pursue her passion for creating floral displays. She excitedly said, “I can make really cool, special bouquets. I would love to work with flower arrangements.”  

For now, Mileski continues to greet students at The Shore with the same energy and warmth that has made her a campus fixture for decades. She hopes they’ll remember her as a “funny, crazy, friendly face.” Years after graduation, her impact remains with the many lives she has touched. 

“Because they always remember me,” Mileski said. “It’s an honor.” 

As part of the Seahawk Stories feature series, Friendly Faces highlights the people whose kindness, encouragement and everyday interactions help make UNCW feel like home. Know someone who brightens your day? Nominate a future Friendly Face through UNCW’s official Instagram.