Paul Fairbrook Spirit of Service Award

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For more than 25 years, Lupita Hollis has helped shape the University of Arizona dining program through her commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and student success. A hands-on leader, she invests deeply in the growth of both staff and student employees, helping many advance into leadership roles or pursue opportunities beyond campus. Her work has strengthened team retention, fostered a culture of learning, and created a strong sense of belonging within the dining community. Lupita has also played an important role in advancing inclusive dining initiatives, supporting international student engagement, and helping bring specialized dining options to life for students with dietary needs. Through her dedication to teaching, service, and community-building, she has created a positive and lasting impact on generations of students and employees.

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Glen Howard has become a beloved presence within the University of Miami community through the warmth, encouragement, and genuine care he brings to every interaction. Known to students as the “Omelet King,” he transforms a daily meal into an opportunity for connection, helping students feel welcomed, valued, and supported. His positive attitude and personal attention have earned widespread appreciation from students and colleagues alike, creating an environment that fosters belonging and community. Drawing on decades of foodservice experience, Glen serves as both a mentor and role model, inspiring others through his commitment to hospitality and service. Through countless daily interactions, he has demonstrated how compassion, consistency, and a simple act of kindness can leave a lasting impact on the student experience. 

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Shannon Mohyuddin has built a reputation as a trusted leader whose expertise, professionalism, and commitment to service have strengthened countless programs and events across the University of Utah. With decades of experience, she is known for her ability to bring people together, solve complex challenges, and deliver exceptional experiences even under demanding circumstances. Her leadership during periods of uncertainty, including the pandemic, helped ensure continuity of service and support for the campus community. Equally important is her dedication to mentoring colleagues, developing talent, and fostering collaboration across departments. Through her steady presence, solutions-oriented approach, and genuine care for others, Shannon has made a lasting contribution to both the dining program and the broader university community. 

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For more than 20 years, Saul Rios has cultivated a culture of hospitality, mentorship, and community within Cal Poly Dining. Under his leadership, his operation has become known not only for service excellence but also for creating a welcoming environment where students and employees feel valued and supported. Saul has mentored hundreds of student employees, helping them develop confidence, leadership skills, and a commitment to serving others. His philosophy of treating every interaction as an opportunity to make someone’s day better has earned widespread recognition from students and colleagues alike. Through compassion, consistency, and an unwavering focus on people, Saul has transformed everyday dining experiences into meaningful moments of connection that leave a lasting impact on the campus community. 

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Amy Rosati has played a key role in strengthening campus dining at the University of Washington through her leadership, operational expertise, and dedication to team development. Following the reopening of several campus dining locations after the pandemic, she successfully led the implementation of new programs and menus while maintaining a strong focus on guest service, staff training, and operational consistency. Her efforts have produced measurable financial improvements and helped position her units for continued success. Beyond her own areas of responsibility, Amy has contributed significantly to student hiring, staff development, and cross-functional initiatives that support expanded services across campus. Her ability to build strong teams, mentor emerging leaders, and deliver results while keeping people at the center of her work has made a lasting impact on both colleagues and the student experience. 

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For more than 18 years, Barbara Sterling has demonstrated the power of service through the relationships she builds with students, colleagues, and team members. Known for her kindness, consistency, and genuine care, she creates a welcoming environment where students feel seen, supported, and valued. Her influence extends beyond daily interactions through mentorship of employees and her contributions to collaborative initiatives, including the successful launch of Texas Tech’s first virtual kitchen concept. Barbara’s steady leadership helps strengthen team culture, support professional growth, and create a positive dining experience for thousands of students. Through countless small acts of compassion and a deep commitment to people, she has made a lasting impact on the campus community and exemplifies the spirit of service at the heart of this award. 

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Chef Mitch Vanagten has expanded the role of campus dining at UC Merced by creating opportunities that connect food, education, sustainability, and community engagement. Through his Food for Thought speaker series, he has brought nationally recognized chefs, authors, and thought leaders to a campus that would otherwise have limited access to such experiences, while creating hands-on learning opportunities for students. His commitment to mentorship extends through internships, workforce development, and teaching, helping students and staff build skills, confidence, and career pathways. Beyond campus, his fundraising and sustainability initiatives have generated significant community impact, including support for local organizations and the diversion of hundreds of thousands of pounds of produce to address food insecurity. Through service, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to developing others, Chef Mitch has created lasting opportunities that enrich both the campus and the broader community. 

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Ryan Wishak has enhanced the student experience at Western University through creative programming, operational leadership, and meaningful student engagement. He has introduced innovative dining concepts, educational opportunities, and memorable campus events while successfully leading one of the university's largest dining operations through periods of change and growth. His collaborative approach empowers teams, strengthens service, and keeps student needs at the center of decision-making.