Awards and Accolades Back to Top

Awards and Accolades

Due to our dedication to providing fresh, healthy and diverse dining options, NC State Dining has been recognized regionally and nationally for our exceptional chefs, facilities, menu options, sustainability initiatives and nutrition programming.

2023

  • Silver Medal, Chef Brian Corcoran, American Culinary Federation Regional NACUFS Competition 

2021

  • Rising Star, Hannah Shea, Purchasing Manager, Foodservice Director Magazine
  • Rising Star, Lauren Smith, Director of Nutrition & Wellness, Foodservice Director Magazine

2020

  • Honorable Mention-FARE Best Campus Dining Awards, Food Allergy Research & Education

2019

  • Silver Plate Award Winner, Randy Lait, Sr. Director of Hospitality Services, International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
  • Top 25 College Power Players, Food Management Magazine
  • Chef Culinary Challenge Winner, Hector Vega, Chef (with ProStart Student Ashley Casasola), MenuDirections
  • Rising Star, Olivia Chadwick, Allergen Specialist, Foodservice Director Magazine

2018

  • Top 25 College Power Players, Food Management Magazine
  • Silver Nutrition Award, Vegan Recipe, NACUFS
  • Supervisor of the Year, Barry Tracey, City of Raleigh Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities
  • Silver Medal, Chefs Stephen Toaso and Gary Tessinari, American Culinary Federation UMASS Cooking Competition
  • Culinary Creations Top 10 Recipe, Allie McCabe, Sous Chef – Case Dining Hall, Premier Culinary Creations Contest

2017

  • Pastry Chef of the Year, Yolanda Santiago, American Culinary Federation Raleigh-Durham Chapter
  • Second Place – Blended Burger Project, Sous Chef Steve Taoso, James Beard Foundation
  • First Place – Make It with Marcus Competition, Chef Gary Tessinari, US Foods

2016

  • Top 26 Healthiest Colleges in the US, Greatist.com
  • Top Ten Accommodating Gluten Free Colleges, Udi’s Gluten Free
  • Top 50 College Dining Experiences, College Rank
  • Certified Sustainable Workplace, Fountain, Clark and Case Dining Halls, NC State Office of Sustainability
  • Southeast Region Pastry Chef of the Year, Chef Kelly Bellmore, American Culinary Foundation

2015

  • College Innovator of the Year, Food Management Magazine
  • Green Brick Individual Award, Chef David Johnson, NC State Office of Sustainability
  • Illuminating Excellence Award, Randy Lait, Premier Foods
  • Chef of the Year, Eddie Wilson, American Culinary Federation North Carolina Chapter
  • Best In Show, Gold Medal, Chef Kelly Bellmore, American Culinary Federation’s Wake Tech Pastry Show
  • First Institution in the Nation to Complete the Healthier Campus Initiative, Partnership for a Healthier America

2014

  • Top 15 Healthiest Dining Programs in the Country, FoodService Director Magazine
  • Outstanding Dietitian of the Year, Lisa Eberhart, North Carolina Dietetic Association
  • Dedicated and Deserving Dietitian Award, Lisa Eberhart, Today’s Dietitian Magazine
  • Rising Industry Stars Under the Age of 30, Chris Dunham, Food Service Director Magazine
  • Faculty for Financial Management and Marketing, Randy Lait and Jennifer Gilmore, National Association of College and University Food Service
  • Best Dessert Award, Yates Mill Bakery, A Toast to the Triangle’s Benefit for the Tammy Lynn Foundation
  • Chefs Who Make a Difference Award, Julie Staples, FoodService Director Magazine

2013

  • Goldie, Dining Best Practices, College and University Category, FoodService Director Magazine
  • Grand Goldie, “My Roots are at NC State” Sustainability Initiatives, FoodService Director Magazine
  • Environmental Award for Pioneering Efforts, “My Roots are at NC State,” City of Raleigh
  • Award of Excellence Silver InSpire Award for Reputation/Brand Management, Rave! Catering, The Inspire Awards
  • Gold Status, 2013 Fit Friendly Worksite, American Heart Association

2012

  • Award of Excellence, Registered Dietitian Lisa Eberhart, Office of the Governor
  • Award of Excellence, Concessions Manager James Helfert, NC State University
  • Best New Multi-Retail Concept Award, Atrium Food Court, National Association of College and University Food Services
  • Bronze Award of Excellence, NC State Dining, Red, White, and U Focus Groups, The Inspire Awards
  • Gold Award, Sir Walter Raleigh Awards for Excellence in Communication, Student Category – “Find Your Fortune at Zen Blossom,” Raleigh Public Relations Society
  • Sir Walter Raleigh Awards for Excellence in Communication, Gold Award “2011-2012 NC State Dining Meal Plan Collateral”, Raleigh Public Relations Society
  • NACUFS Regional Conference Site for 2014, NC State University, NACUFS
  • Silver Medal, Mack Bell and Kevin Nichols, UMASS Iron Chef Competition

2011

  • Sir Walter Raleigh Awards for Excellence in Communication, Silver Award “The Chancellor’s Ice Cream Dream”, Raleigh Public Relations Society
  • Bronze Award of Excellence, InSpire Award for Research/Evaluation – NC State Dining, Red, White and U Focus Groups, The Inspire Awards
  • Talley Transforming 2nd Place Award, Professional Campaigns Category, Steal This Idea Graphic Design Competition
  • Silver Award, Best Residential Dining Hall Concept, “Eat for Peak Performance” Athletic Dining Program, National Association of College and University Food Services

2010

  • Silver Medal, Mack Bell and Kevin Nichols, UMASS Iron Chef Competition