National Association of College & University Food Services

A big thank you to our Champion Sponsor, SunButter Sunflower Butter, for supporting NACUFS! Your partnership helps bring our community together for meaningful connections, collaboration, and learning. We’re grateful to have you with us! 🙌

Congratulations to the 2026 grand prize winners recognized at the awards luncheon this weekend at the NACUFS 2026 National Conference in New Orleans!

Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards:
-Michigan State University — Employee Development Program of the Year
-Rollins College — Retail Sales Marketplace
-SUNY Geneseo, Campus Auxiliary Services — Residential Special Event of the Year
-The University of Texas at Austin — Outreach & Education Program of the Year
-University of Arizona — Catering Special Event of the Year
-University of Florida — Innovative Dining Program of the Year
-University of Montana — New Facility of the Year
-University of Pittsburgh — Retail Sales Multiple Concepts
-University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin Union — Catering Program of the Year and Retail Sales Single Concept
-West Texas A&M University — Renovation of the Year

Nutrition Awards:
-Northeastern University — Special Diet Program of the Year

Sustainability Awards:
-Harding University — Waste Reduction

Saturday morning at NACUFS 2026 brought a full slate of engaging learning opportunities. Attendees participated in experiential sessions focused on campus coffee training, dining renovations, culinary skills and the future of campus dining; filled a standing-room-only session on change management; and exchanged practical ideas with peers during the Directors Solution Exchange.

Please join us in congratulating Chef Mitchell Vanagten, executive chef at the University of California, Merced, as the first recipient of the new Paul Fairbrook Spirit of Service Award, presented at the NACUFS 2026 National Conference.

Mitchell has transformed campus dining into a platform for education, mentorship and community engagement. Through the Food for Thought Guest Speaker Series, food-security and sustainability initiatives, fundraising for local nonprofits and dedicated mentorship, he has created a culture in which service is lived every day. His compassion, generosity and servant leadership beautifully embody the legacy of NACUFS founding member Paul Fairbrook.

The award is sponsored by the NACUFS Foundation.

Please join us in congratulating Lisa Wandel, retired residential dining director at Penn State University, on receiving the 2026 David R. Prentkowski Distinguished Lifetime Member Award during the NACUFS 2026 National Conference in New Orleans. Lisa credits NACUFS conferences and the generosity of fellow members with supporting her professional journey—and she carried that same spirit of sharing throughout 34 years of involvement with the association.

Please join us in congratulating Kristina Patridge, retired director of dining services at The University of Alabama and past chairperson of NACUFS, on receiving the 2026 Richard Lichtenfelt Award. Presented during the NACUFS 2026 National Conference in New Orleans, the award recognizes Kristina’s exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to the association at the national level.

We are pleased to congratulate Johann Leitner, founder and CEO of Touchwork, on receiving the 2026 Daryl Van Hook Industry Award. Presented during the NACUFS 2026 National Conference in New Orleans, the award honors Johann’s educational support, product innovation and outstanding service to the association.