Montclair State University and Gourmet Dining Celebrate Multiple Wins at the NACUFS Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards

Montclair State University and Gourmet Dining are thrilled to announce their recent accolades at the prestigious National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards. Garnering multiple honors across various categories, this recognition highlights the exceptional commitment to quality and innovation in university dining.

Montclair State University and Gourmet Dining are recognized with the following awards:

• Silver Award for “Innovative Dining Program of the Year”
• Silver Award for “Residential Dining Facility of the Year”
• Bronze Award for “Outreach & Education Program of the Year”
• Honorable Mention for “Catering Special Event of the Year”

These awards are a testament to the hard work and creativity of the entire dining team at Montclair State University, striving to offer superior dining experiences, innovative programs, and educational initiatives that enhance campus life. The prestigious “Residential Dining Facility of the Year” highlights an outstanding facility that encapsulates the spirit of enhancing the student experience. Brian Conway, Regional District Manager, notes “Being honored by NACUFS is a remarkable and inspiring acknowledgment of our collective efforts to provide exceptional dining experiences encouraging us to continually raise the bar in how we serve our students and the entire campus community.”

Dr. Dawn Soufleris, Vice President of Student Development and Campus Life at Montclair State University, expressed her delight in the team’s achievements: “As Vice President of Student Development and Campus Life at Montclair State University, I am thrilled to announce that our dining service, EATS at Montclair, has received prestigious recognition at NACUFS. These accolades highlight our commitment to excellence in providing exceptional culinary experiences and fostering a vibrant campus community. Congratulations to our dedicated team for their outstanding achievements!”

The “Outreach and Education Award” is of particular honor to the new-to-campus dietitian services. Jessica Carr, MS, RDN, Campus Dietitian said, “Our goal is to foster a healthier campus through informed food choices, and these awards affirm our efforts to integrate wellness deeply into our dining culture.”

In his reflections on these accomplishments, Gerard Gagliano, Senior Marketing Manager, shared his excitement and forward-looking vision: “Winning these prestigious NACUFS awards is a clear indicator of our team’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in dining at Montclair State University. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain focused on elevating our marketing strategies to continue highlighting our exceptional dining services.”

“I am incredibly proud of our University team’s efforts to innovate, provide welcoming top-notch service, and to celebrate and expand the palate of those who dine with us.” said Director of Dining at Freeman Hall, Jennifer Bostedo, RDN. There’s so much more to come!

The “Innovative Dining Award” celebrates programs that are forward-thinking in all aspects of their operation, including technology, menu, guest experience, student affordability, staffing, and employee development. Chef Jehangir Mehta, Montclair State’s Director of Food Culture and Sustainability, leads the Mindfulness charge in group and personal experiences for students on campus. “Striving to modernize and challenge the odds, while maintaining the pulse of the students is a priority of innovation in our program,” said Chef Mehta.

As Montclair State University and Gourmet Dining celebrate these well-deserved accolades, they reaffirm their commitment to pushing the boundaries of campus dining by continuously improving and innovating. This recognition by NACUFS not only honors past achievements but also sets the stage for future endeavors in enhancing the university’s dining landscape.

Upcoming Enhancements & Invitation to the Campus Community

As we continue to innovate and improve, some exciting projects are on the horizon, including the renovation of the 1908 Pub, a new Starbucks at Sprague Library, and further extending the scope and reach of our dietitian services and Mindful Eating programs with Celebrity Chef Jehangir Mehta. We’re also enhancing our catering offerings to bring even more memorable culinary experiences to our campus community.

Want to Experience Our Award-Winning Services?

Join us this fall and see firsthand the exciting enhancements and revamped programming we’re bringing to Montclair State University. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee at the new Starbucks, enjoying a meal at the newly renovated 1908 Pub, or participating in our innovative Mindful Eating programs, there’s something to delight everyone.

Stay tuned for more updates and links to our services as we continue to set the standard for excellence in collegiate dining.