NACUFS renames Lifetime Member Award to honor David Prentkowski

July 10—The National Association of College and University Food Service has renamed its Distinguished Lifetime Member Award to honor longtime member and volunteer, David Prentkowski, director of food services at the University of Notre Dame.

The award, now known as the David R. Prentkowski Distinguished Lifetime Member Award, was created in 1990 to honor retired members who have supported the betterment of college and university foodservice, as well as the association. Winners of this award earn an honorary lifetime membership in NACUFS and their annual membership dues and conference registration fees are waived. The annual award is presented at the association’s national conference each July. The 2012 conference is this week in Boston.

“Dave’s leadership, guidance and tireless efforts to advance the mission of NACUFS have been instrumental in shaping the association,” Nona Golledge, NACUFS president and director of dining at the University of Kansas, said in a press release. “He truly embodies the spirit of this great organization, and the board of directors is enthusiastic about recognizing his legacy in this way.”

Prentkowski has been active with NACUFS for more than three decades, including serving as the association’s president in 1996-1997. NACUFS recognized Prentkowski's service by presenting him with the Richard Lichtenfelt Award in 2001. He also received the Theodore W. Minah Distinguished ServiceAward in 2006.

“NACUFS has meant a tremendous amount to me during my career. I am truly honored to have this prestigious award named after me and I thank the board of directors for the acknowledgment,” Prentkowski said in the release.

Prentkowski, a graduate of Purdue University, joined the University of Notre Dame as its director of food services in 1990, having previously held positions in collegiate foodservice at the University of Utah, Purdue University and the University of Michigan. 

Related:In Remembrance of Dave Prentkowski