Awards List
Use this page to scan award opportunities and connect them to submissions, launches, and recognition stories.
Fall semester
Plan now for winter and spring submissions.
These opportunities often open in the fall, with many submission windows closing before or during spring.
NACUFS - Culinary Challenge Awards
The Culinary Challenge recognizes exceptional culinary expertise within collegiate dining. Regional winners advance to the National Conference for a live competition.
TimingSubmissions open in the fall; competition is held in March
NACUFS - Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards
A professional tribute for collegiate dining, recognizing strong work across dining programs and campus foodservice.
TimingSubmissions open in the fall; submissions typically close in March
NACUFS - Nutrition Awards
Recognizes outstanding nutrition and wellness programs, including innovative wellness programs, vegan recipes, and local foods recipes.
TimingSubmissions open in the fall; submissions typically close in March
NACUFS - Sustainability Awards
Recognizes leadership in campus dining sustainability, including procurement, energy and water conservation, waste management, materials, resources, outreach, and education.
TimingSubmissions open in the fall; submissions typically close in March
NACUFS - Individual Awards
Honors individuals and organizations for outstanding service to the association and its members.
TimingSubmissions open in the fall; winners typically announced in July
NACUBO - Rising Star Award
Recognizes an emerging leader in higher education finance and business whose record shows exceptional growth, contribution, leadership, responsibility, and impact.
TimingWinners typically announced in July
NACUBO - Excellence in Sustainability Award
Recognizes institutions for a campus innovation, process, or program that advances environmental sustainability in higher education.
TimingWinners typically announced in July
MenuMasters Awards
Nation's Restaurant News honors menu research and development leaders and restaurant brands for outstanding new menu development.
TimingSubmissions open in fall and close at the end of November; winners typically announced in May
FARE College Awards - Best Campus Dining
For students with potentially life-threatening food allergies, FARE Food Allergy College Search helps families understand what accommodations schools can offer.
Dining teams nominate their own schools by sharing what their campus is doing to help students feel safe and comfortable in their home away from home.
TimingSubmissions open in early December and typically close in February; winners are typically announced at the Food Allergy Safety Summit in March
FARE College Awards - Community Choice
For students with potentially life-threatening food allergies, FARE Food Allergy College Search helps families understand what accommodations schools can offer.
Community members nominate campuses across the U.S. to recognize teams such as dining services, disability services, residence life, and student health partners who support allergy accommodations.
TimingSubmissions open in early December and typically close in February; winners are typically announced at the Food Allergy Safety Summit in March
Spring semester
Watch for January nomination windows.
Use spring opportunities when a campus concept, program, or foodservice idea has strong results and clear impact.
Foodservice Director Best Concept Awards
Recognizes best practices and innovative thinking in onsite foodservice, with nominations judged on creativity, impact, and effectiveness.
TimingNominations open in January; winners typically announced in July
Rolling / no date provided
Keep these on the radar year-round.
These awards are useful when you have a strong recognition story but need to confirm the current nomination window.
FoodService Director Rising Star Awards
Recognizes young staffers who stand out because of their passion, energy, and ideas.
TimingWinners usually announced in May
NACAS - Robert F. Newton Award for Distinguished Service
The most prestigious NACAS award, recognizing an individual who has displayed extraordinary and outstanding service to NACAS and to the profession.
TimingTBD / not listed
NACAS - Innovative Achievement in Auxiliary Services
Recognizes imaginative and unique products, services, or programs that improve customer service, generate revenue, reduce costs, or provide adaptability for other institutions.
TimingTBD / not listed
NACAS - Dr. Wright L. Lassiter, Jr. Legacy Award
Honors an auxiliary or business partner member who demonstrates Dr. Lassiter's leadership qualities and commitment to volunteerism and community service.
TimingTBD / not listed
NACAS - Outstanding Business Partner of the Year Award
Presented to companies that have made particularly noteworthy contributions to NACAS member institutions and the auxiliary services profession.
TimingTBD / not listed
NACAS - Presidential Service Award
Selected by the NACAS President, this award recognizes an individual who has made a lasting impact on NACAS and the auxiliary services profession.
TimingTBD / not listed