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read moreChartwells Higher Education Earns Multiple NACUFS Honors for Student-Centered Dining Innovation
Top honors across campus programs nationwide recognize Chartwells’ leadership in student-centered dining, community and well-being, and sustainable operations.
Charlotte, NC — [May 28, 2026] — Chartwells Higher Education today announced a record number of awards from the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS), recognizing programs and initiatives that are redefining campus dining through innovation, wellness-focused experiences, transformational spaces, and sustainability.
This year’s honors reflect the evolving role dining plays in campus life. Across the country, Chartwells teams are creating experiences that go beyond meals, with a focus on nutrition education, inclusive dining programs, modern gathering spaces, and sustainability initiatives that help students feel more connected to their campus communities.
Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards
Chartwells programs earned NACUFS Dining awards for innovation, hospitality, facility transformation and student engagement across campus dining experiences.
Residential Dining:
Gold Honors
- Babson College: Outreach & Education Program of the Year
- Rider University: Residential Special Event of the Year
Silver Honors
- Boston University: Outreach & Education Program of the Year
- Drew University (powered by Gourmet Dining): Outreach & Education Program of the Year
- University of Miami: Catering Special Event of the Year
- Montclair State University (powered by Gourmet Dining) : Residential Dining Facility of the Year
Bronze Honors
- Pace University: Employee Development Program of the Year
- Montclair State University (powered by Gourmet Dining): Outreach & Education Program of the Year
- Central Michigan University: Residential Special Event of the Year
- Drew University (powered by Gourmet Dining): Residential Special Event of the Year
- Manhattan University (powered by Gourmet Dining): Residential Special Event of the Year
- Seton Hall University: Residential Special Event of the Year
Honorable Mention
- Manhattan University (powered by Gourmet Dining): Employee Development Program of the Year
- University of Houston: Residential Special Event of the Year
Retail Dining Awards:
Gold Honors
- University of Florida: Innovative Dining Program of the Year
- University of Pittsburgh: Retail Sales: Marketplace of the Year
- Manhattan University (powered by Gourmet Dining): Retail Sales: Single Concept of the Year
Bronze Honors
- University of Pittsburgh: Catering Program of the Year
- Manhattan University (powered by Gourmet Dining): Catering Special Event of the Year
- Marywood University (powered by Gourmet Dining): Catering Special Event of the Year
- Stevens Institute of Technology (powered by Gourmet Dining): Retail Sales: Marketplace of the Year
- University of Utah: Retail Sales: Single Concept of the Year
Facility Awards:
Gold Honors
- Stephen F. Austin State University: New Facility of the Year
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Renovation of the Year
Silver Honors
- University of Pittsburgh: New Facility of the Year
Bronze Honors
- Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo: Renovation of the Year
Nutrition Awards
NACUFS Nutrition awards recognized Chartwells programs that are advancing student wellbeing through inclusive dining, special diet support and wellness-forward education.
Special Diet Program of the Year
Gold
- Northeastern University
Wellness and Nutrition Program of the Year
Gold
- Stephen F. Austin State University
Silver
- Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo
- Northeastern University
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Sustainability
NACUFS Sustainability awards spotlight programs making measurable progress in waste reduction and climate-conscious dining operations.
Gold, Waste Reduction
- University of Pittsburgh
Bronze, Carbon Neutrality
- New York University
“Campus dining has become such an important part of how students build community, support their wellbeing and experience campus life,” said Eva Wojtalewski, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. “These recognitions reflect the passion our teams bring to creating experiences that feel personal, welcoming and meaningful for students every day.”
The annual NACUFS awards recognize excellence in collegiate dining across innovation, culinary creativity, program execution and facility design. Together, this year’s honors reflect how Chartwells Higher Education continues to evolve campus dining through experiences that prioritize wellbeing, connection, hospitality and sustainability, helping students feel at home while supporting their success on campus.
