Paul Fairbrook Award

Recognizing managers, supervisors, or staff who exemplify compassion, leadership, and dedication to service

The Paul Fairbrook Spirit of Service Award honors the legacy of Paul Fairbrook, a founding member of NACUFS whose compassion, leadership, and dedication shaped collegiate foodservice. This recognition celebrates managers, supervisors, and staff working directly in campus dining units who go above and beyond to make a profound impact on their communities.

Read about Paul Fairbrook's legacy of service

About the award

Paul Fairbrook believed in the power of service to transform lives. This award recognizes individuals who carry that spirit forward through leadership, creativity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to service excellence. Honorees inspire others, strengthen teams, and embody the values that define NACUFS.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 30, 2026. Honorees will be notified in April 2026.

Submit your nomination

Recognition

All honorees will receive:

A certificate of recognition
Digital recognition on the NACUFS website and social media
Celebration during the NACUFS National Conference

One grand prize winner will also receive featured recognition in NACUFS official magazine, Campus Dining Today, and across all NACUFS communications platforms.

Paul Fairbrook image

Submission Requirements & Eligibility

Help us honor those who embody Paul Fairbrook’s spirit of service. Submissions for the Paul Fairbrook Spirit of Service Award are open now.

- Each campus may submit one nominee per year.
- Nominees must be unit-level staff working in a collegiate dining operation.
Nominations should include:
- Three short essays (max 300 words each) describing the nominee’s impact, leadership, and personal qualities.
  
  Impact story: Describe the effort or initiative led by the nominee and the impact it had on your campus or community.
  
  Leadership & collaboration: How did this person lead, collaborate, or inspire others?
  
  Personal qualities: Share how this person embodies the spirit of Paul Fairbrook through compassion and service.
- One short video (1–3 minutes) highlighting the nominee and their work.
  
  Videos may be used in conference presentations and marketing to celebrate honorees. The content may be edited by NACUFS staff.
- Optional supporting materials such as:
  
  Testimonials by colleagues, supervisors, or students
  
  Social media highlights
  
  Photos of the nominee in action
  
  Survey results or other metrics
  
  Letters of appreciation
  
  Newsletters or articles featuring their work

Submissions will be reviewed and scored based on the following criteria:

Criteria	Description	Points
Impact and Reach	Demonstrated impact on campus or local community; inclusive and broad engagement.	20
Innovation and Creativity	Unique solutions to foodservice challenges; creative ways of engaging others.	15
Leadership or Initiative	Proactive leadership; identifying and solving challenges.	15
Sustainability & Commitment	Long-term impact and consistent engagement.	10
Collaboration & Partnerships	Strong teamwork and partnerships that elevate results.	10
Education & Advocacy	Teaching others and advocating for positive change.	10
Measurable Outcomes	Clear results and supporting documentation.	10
Personal Qualities	Inspirational attitude, dedication, and compassion.	10
Total		100

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Paul Fairbrook Spirit of Service Award

About the award

Recognition

Submission Requirements & Eligibility

Eligibility

Submission requirements

Award criteria and scoring