Individual Awards

Nominate a deserving individual!

Every year, the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) honors individuals and organizations for their outstanding service to the association and its members.

Submissions for 2026 are now open through January 31, 2026!

 

Submit your award nomination

 

Richard Lichtenfelt Award

The Richard Lichtenfelt Award is an individual award selected by the Chairperson of the association. The award, named after the association’s first president, Richard Lichtenfelt, recognizes outstanding service to the National Association of College & University Food Services on a national level. The winner receives an award, recognition during National Conference and is highlighted in Campus Dining Today®, the official magazine of NACUFS.

Theodore W. Minah Distinguished Service Award

The Theodore W. Minah Distinguished Service Award is an individual award, open to Institutional members via nomination. The award recognizes exemplary and enduring contributions to the foodservice industry and the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS). This is our most prestigious award. The winner receives an award, recognition during National Conference and is highlighted in Campus Dining Today®, the official magazine of NACUFS. In addition, the winner and their guest will receive complimentary National Conference registration, transportation to/from conference, including airfare and ground transportation, and hotel stay for up to four (4) nights at the conference at which the award is presented.

 

Submit your nomination

David R. Prentkowski Distinguished Lifetime Member Award

The David R. Prentkowski Distinguished Lifetime Member Award is an individual award and open to retired members via nomination. The award honors individuals who have retired from a college and university foodservice leadership position or other position that has supported the betterment of college and university foodservices. The winner receives lifetime membership with NACUFS and complimentary registration for future NACUFS conferences, an award, recognition during National Conference and is highlighted in Campus Dining Today®, the official magazine of NACUFS. In addition, the recipient will receive a complimentary two-night stay during the National Conference at which they receive the award.

 

Submit your nomination

Daryl Van Hook Industry Award

The Daryl Van Hook Industry Award is open to Industry members either as an individual and/or organization via nomination. The award recognizes outstanding support and service to NACUFS. The winner receives a plaque, recognition during National Conference and is highlighted in Campus Dining Today®, the official magazine of NACUFS.

 

Submit your nomination

  • Kirk Rodriguez, Theodore W. Minah Distinguished Service Award, 2025

  • Ginnie Dunleavy, Richard Lichtenfelt Award, 2025

  • Mark Kraner, David R. Prentkowski Distinguished Lifetime Member Award, 2025

  • Matt Obergfell, Daryl Van Hook Industry Award Winner, 2025