Individual Awards

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.

The 2025 Richard Lichtenfelt Award winner is Ginnie Dunleavy, Executive Director of Auxiliary Services at Rhode Island School of Design.

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.

The 2025 Theodore W. Minah Distinguished Service Award winner is Kirk Rodriguez, Senior Managing Director of Hospitality Services & Student Union at Texas Tech University.

Submissions are closed for 2025.

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.

The 2025 David R. Prentkowski Distinguished Lifetime Member Award winner is Mark Kraner, Executive Director for Campus Retail Operations, George Mason University (retired).

Submissions are closed for 2025.

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.

The 2025 Daryl Van Hook Industry Award winner is Matt Obergfell, Hormel.

Submissions are closed for 2025.