Source: Mark Edwards, 785-532-6483, medwards@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Melissa Schrader, 785-532-6438, schrader@k-state.edu
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
K-STATE'S HOUSING AND DINING SERVICES WINS SILVER AND BRONZE IN DINING AWARDS COMPETITION
MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's housing and dining services has received honors in the Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards Competition, sponsored by the National Association of College and University Food Services.
K-State received a silver award in the Single Stand-Alone Concept category and a bronze award in the Catering-Special Event category. The competition recognizes colleges and universities for creativity when it comes to menus, presentations and special-event planning and dining concepts.
In the Single Stand-Alone Concept category, the menu served every day to students in the residence halls is considered. Menus are judged on the number of selections and variety, merchandising and presentation of the food, marketing efforts, nutritional soundness, and the overall impression it makes. The portfolio was created and prepared by Mariel Edwards, senior in journalism and mass communications, Manhattan. Edwards is a senior cook at Derby Dining Center and a public relations and advertising intern working under the direction of Terry Gleue, graphic design specialist at housing and dining services.
The entry in the Catering-Special Event category was a capstone project for students in K-State's food production management II course. The class teaches students the process of planning and managing a food-related event. For the project, students plan the menu, standardize and test recipes, write production and service plans, prepare food purchase orders, market the event to the public, and then execute and evaluate the event. The course is taught by Melissa Schrader and Sheryl Klobasa, both registered dietitians and management staff for housing and dining services.
"It is always very gratifying to have your professional colleagues from across the country judge your work as some of the best they have seen," said Mark Edwards, director of K-State's Derby Dining Center. "These awards are certainly evidence, not only of how we take care of students in the residence halls at K-State, but also of the abundant knowledge, skill and willingness of dining service employees."
The National Association of College and University Food Services assists members and advances the collegiate food-service industry by providing insight, education, services and knowledge exchange. K-State has been an active member since 1959.
