Members honored for outstanding service to NACUFS

NACUFS honored five distinguished individuals for their outstanding service to the association during an awards breakfast on July 21 at the NACUFS 2023 National Conference in Baltimore. They are:

Selected by the association's president, the Richard Lichtenfelt Award honors individuals who have provided outstanding contributions to NACUFS at the national level

The David R. Prentkowski Distinguished Lifetime Member Award, nominated by peers and colleagues, honors individuals who have retired from college and university foodservice leadership or other positions that supported the betterment of college and university foodservices.

Both Pierce and Wright noted the significance of receiving the award, which is named after their personal mentor and friend. Prentkowski, 55, died in 2012 after a drowning accident. He was the director of food services at the University of Notre Dame.

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Pierce said he never considered himself a candidate for the prestigious award, and his involvement in NACUFS was a gesture to give back for all he had received.

“What is more important in receiving this award is that it was authored by David Prentkowski before it was named after him,” Pierce said. “David helped me navigate my way as president-elect by mentoring me while he was president. Looking back, I wish I had taken the time to express my gratitude for his mentorship, the leadership he provided, and how he helped to craft the bylaws and direction that NACUFS took.”

Wright said he has always admired those who received the award, but that receiving it is particularly special.

“I was one of the last NACUFS members to have visited David on the campus of Notre Dame. He was a very dear friend,” Wright said. “He personally helped me design BYU’s Culinary Support Center. David and I served together on the NACUFS Board of Trustees, and he followed me as president. To receive this award named in honor of my mentor is hard to explain; it is emotional.”

Nominated by peers and colleagues, the Daryl Van Hook Industry Award honors an industry member who has provided educational support, product innovation, and outstanding service to the association.

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“This is a very humbling experience for me,” Lyons said. “To be recognized by NACUFS for contributions to the association over the past 20-plus years is amazing. NACUFS has enabled me to grow personally and professionally, have wonderful experiences, and make some great friendships and business contacts.”