To the average student at Sacramento State, the name Cheng Wang does not ring a bell. However, the phrase “It’s’a lunchtime” just might register with more than a few people.

Wang is the charismatic face of the Togo’s eatery on campus. He can be found every weekday selling sandwiches on the walkway between the University Union and the Library Quad.

Wang, whose name means “Honest King,” was born in China and moved to the United States in 1989 to pursue an education. He was accepted at a school in Connecticut, but his financial sponsor in the U.S. suggested he attend Sacramento State, where he also was accepted. He majored in mechanical engineering and received his master’s degree in 1993.

Just a few short months later, in August, Wang suffered a stroke which left him in a coma. When he regained consciousness, he faced a reality full of therapy and characterized by many struggles.

Where he once had work, Wang found he was unemployed.

“I lost my full-time job,” he said, showing off his old business card.

He also had to begin the long process of recovery, which included various surgeries, as well as routine speech, physical and occupational therapy.

“Speech therapy is painful,” Wang said, wincing at the thought.

As someone who is fluent in both Mandarin, the main Chinese dialect, and English, Wang was able to find job as an on-call translator at UC Davis, a job he says is both “outstanding and excellent.”

Wang has also worked at Togo’s on campus for about a year and a half, which is convenient because he lives nearby and can walk to work.

“I’m so famous,” he said with a laugh. “Customers say I’m the best at sales on campus. It makes me happy.”

Marley Polonsky, freshman undeclared major, said the way he presents himself is all a part of his work.

“He is entertaining,” she said. “He is just doing his job.”

Junior theater major Tony Gabrielson said he has never bought a sandwich from Wang because they’re pre-made with ingredients he can’t eat. However he notices him when he walks by Wang’s sandwich stand because of the catchphrases he yells out to attract customers.

“I work at a food service place where you need to be loud to get sales,” he said. “I know it’s tiring, and at times I have no energy to do it, but I know that it is part of my job to do those things. I think that is where his creative energy comes from.”

When asked why he is so bright-spirited and energetic, Wang will simply point to the sky.

As a member of Chinese Grace Bible Church, Wang has a strong faith which he credits to getting him through the difficult times in his life.

“I must have had someone pray for me,” he said. “My whole church prayed for me.”

He recalls one incident after the stroke when he was confined to a wheelchair. His pastor came over for dinner after church one Sunday and asked him what he wanted. He said his one wish was to be out of the wheelchair.

He demonstrated his current walk, which is with a slight limp, but said it’s better than being confined to a wheelchair. Overall, he said he is grateful for where he is in life, how far he has come, and how much he has learned in the process.

“I don’t know if either Jesus or (the) stroke changed my personality,” he said with a smile. “Maybe both.”

Richard Dunlap, senior criminal justice major, said Wang has an outgoing personality that makes him a valuable addition to the campus.

“He seems like one of those guys that everyone wants to get to know,” he said. “Everyone likes a good sense of humor and that’s what he brings to Sac State.”

Wang’s ultimate goal is to be hired in a full-time position where he will receive both benefits and vacation time.

For now, he comes to work every day to sell sandwiches and soda from his cart. Although he has taken cover under nearby trees on days when it’s begun to rain, he said once the rainy season officially starts, he’ll no longer be outside.

As for his favorite sandwich and soda?

“I like tuna sandwich,” he said, pausing momentarily to think. “And the soda…Dr. Pepper. And Mountain Dew.”

Natalye Childress Smith can be reached at [email protected]