The Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards is the ultimate professional tribute in college and university culinary arts. The award, named after a National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) founder, past president, and highly regarded innovator, celebrates exemplary menus, presentations, special event planning and new dining concepts. NACUFS celebrates the innovative ideas and successful implementation of these programs. The winners, broken down into small, medium, and large institutions, will have their entries displayed at the National Conference and award winners are recognized and celebrated during a luncheon, with an announcement of the Grand Prize winners. Grand Prize winners will also receive recognition in Campus Dining Today®, the official magazine of NACUFS.  

The window for nominating is now closed. Winners will be announced mid-May 2026.
The 2027 entry period will begin in the fall with submissions due March 31, 2027.
Rules & Criteria

Awards

 

2025 Winners