Awards & Recognitions

International Foodservice Manufacturers Association awards Patti Klos, Tufts Dining Senior Director, the 2025 IFMA Silver Plate Award

2024 Theodore W. Minah Distinguished Service Award to Patti Klos, Senior Director of Dining Services
This individual award recognizes exemplary and enduring contributions to the foodservice industry. 

2024 Loyal E. Horton Dining Award in the category of Residential Special Event – SILVER PRIZE
Tufts Dining was awarded the SILVER PRIZE for the Lunar New Year dinner held at the Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center on February 15, 2024

2023 Loyal E. Horton Dining Award in the category of Residential Dining Concept – GRAND PRIZE
Tufts Dining was awarded the GRAND PRIZE for Beans, Greens & Grains, the kosher vegan platform at the Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center. 

2022 Loyal E. Horton Dining Award in the category of Residential Dining Facility – GRAND PRIZE
Tufts Dining was awarded the GRAND PRIZE for Fresh at Carmichael’s redesign as a dining facility free from gluten, peanuts, and tree nuts.

The Loyal E. Horton Dining Award is the ultimate professional tribute in college and university culinary arts. The award is presented by the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS). 

Food is such an integral part of the student experience. At Tufts Dining, we feel strongly that it is important to create a dining experience that is welcoming and accessible to all students. We are grateful to NACUFS for recognizing our effort with these prestigious Loyal E. Horton Awards.

Tufts University was recognized as the 2021 FARE Best Campus Dining Award Winner.

FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is an organization that enhances the lives of individuals with food allergies by empowering them to lead safe, productive lives with the respect of others through education and advocacy initiatives and improved awareness around healthcare options and treatment.

2025: Patti Klos, Senior Director of Dining Services, was recognized with an individual Tufts Distinction Award.

2022: Eric Hamel, Associate Director, Catering and Logistics, was recognized with an individual Tufts Distinction Award.

2021: The Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center staff was awarded a Team Tufts Distinction Award.

2020: Kat Barry, Lead Dining Customer Service Assistant, was recognized with an individual Tufts Distinction Award.

The Tufts Distinction Awards are a valued tradition at Tufts University. The President’s Office and Human Resources together sponsor this university-wide program to celebrate outstanding staff and faculty accomplishments outside of teaching and research.