Purdue etiquette expert boosts confidence at the table for career-ready students in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — Purdue students in Indianapolis turned table manners into career readiness on Thursday (Jan. 29) at the Skyline Club, where longtime etiquette educator Anthony Cawdron led a presentation and dinner designed to foster confidence and enhance a professional demeanor.

Cawdron, who calls his on-the-road presentation “Whose Fork is it Anyway?”, is the estate and house manager for Westwood, Purdue’s presidential residence, and serves as an adjunct instructor in hospitality and tourism management in the College of Health and Human Sciences. He frames etiquette as situational awareness and service to others, not merely following a set of rules. The goal of the evening was to build confidence so that students could engage in real conversation instead of worrying about which utensil to pick up.

“The human interactions are probably more important than the meal itself to actually make something of the dinner and gain knowledge of other people at the same time,” Cawdron said.

The evening began with an instructional session on the main floor of the 38-story OneAmerica Tower, followed by a seated meal on the 36th floor in the Skyline Club, where students could put new habits into practice with their peers. Cawdron brought a full demonstration table set for a four‑course meal for 125 total Boilermakers, including over 100 students, as the group enjoyed an informative and eventful dinner inside the recently named Boilermaker Room atop Indianapolis’ second-tallest building.

“Adaptability and flexibility are keys to good etiquette,” he told students, a mindset that lowers anxiety when a business meal includes unfamiliar courses, place settings or expectations.

Cawdron emphasized focusing outward — noticing those dining with you while following simple etiquette guidelines — in order for students to properly signal to employers that they will look after the needs of clients and colleagues just as they do at the table.

“His presentation mixed humor with practical advice,” said Darpesh Kaur, a senior in cybersecurity and trusted systems, adding that Cawdron reminded them, “You are your own brand,” a simple standard that emphasizes how Purdue students can stand out when competing for internships and full‑time roles.

With 34 years of experience teaching etiquette — 25 of them teaching a business etiquette for managers course at Purdue — master’s and culinary arts degrees, positions in England as assistant butler at Blenheim Palace and butler at Sutton Place, plus time at a Michelin star restaurant and teaching at a hotel school in Switzerland, Cawdron’s brand is clear.  His unparalleled experience makes him uniquely qualified to prepare college students to eat at any table.

“We were thrilled to bring Anthony’s presentation to Indianapolis and pair it with dinner in the Boilermaker Room — with that spectacular view adding the perfect backdrop for the etiquette experience,” said Becky Walker, director of Indianapolis program operations.

Using the title of his corporate seminars, “Boardroom Polish,” Cawdron provided an apt metaphor for the evening’s experience, which provided students with skills and confidence to let their abilities shine as they prepare to step into their futures. “When you polish something, it stands out, and standing out from the ordinary can, and will, make a difference.”

Basic etiquette tips for guests:

1. Adapt: Be flexible and adaptable. No two events are the same.
2. Inquire: Ask about attire when you accept an invitation.
3. Research: If invited to a restaurant for a business meal, research the menu and venue beforehand. Don’t order the most expensive item on the menu or anything complicated to eat.
4. Commit: Once you’ve said yes to an event, show up. Someone has invested in you and the meal being prepared for you.
5. Engage: Pay attention to the conversation and participate civilly.
6. Learn: Copying others’ good manners and table skills is encouraged.
7. Assist: Some things on the table are meant to be shared. Pass them around and help others.
8. Just in case: Always carry a method of payment to cover your expenses.