University of Richmond Dining Services Receives Two National Awards for International Cuisine and Demonstration Kitchen

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Dining Services at the University of Richmond has received two silver awards from the National Association of College & University Food Services.

UR was honored in the annual Loyal E. Horton Dining awards by NACUFS in the categories of “Most Innovative Wellness and Nutrition Program” for its Demonstration Kitchen and “Residential Special Event of the Year” for International Education Week programs.

The Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards are the ultimate professional tribute in college and university culinary arts. The awards celebrate exemplary menus, presentations, special event planning, and new dining concepts. 

Each year, Dining Services partners with the organizers of UR’s International Education Week to highlight and serve authentic culinary fare of the country or countries being celebrated. This past year, about 2,000 people attended the 2023 International Education dinner, which focused on sustainable, fresh local items and included cuisine from Denmark, Japan, South Africa, and New Zealand.

The Demonstration Kitchen, located in the Well-Being Center, is committed to promoting lifelong culinary and nutrition skills through cooking demonstrations and classes. These programs encourage and promote healthy eating with fresh, minimally processed ingredients while also building community among students, staff, and faculty. Demonstrations are taught by the UR registered dietitians, UR chefs, and guest chefs from the Richmond area. Through a weekly, hands-on “Cooking Basics” course, students learn cooking techniques and how to make recipes using that technique. Student participants also receive free cooking utensils to help build their first kitchen, for example, measuring cups, wooden spoons, and spatulas.

“These awards highlight flagship commitments of UR Dining, including sustainability, pride in learning about and tasting cultures from around the world, partnerships across campus, providing and fostering healthy options, and nutrition and well-being,” said Executive Chef Tyler Betzhold, interim executive director of Dining Services.  

“The exceptional efforts of this year's award winners underscore the inspiring dedication within collegiate dining to advance excellence across these many dining, nutrition and sustainability categories," said NACUFS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Nelson.

UR Dining will receive these awards in July during the NACUFS 2024 National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

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