Janet Despard, director of dining services at the University of Northern Iowa, has been named the 2018 recipient of the National Association of College & University Food Services’ (NACUFS) Theodore W. Minah Distinguished Service Award, the top honor bestowed by the organization for college and university foodservice professionals.
Despard was given the award on the evening of July 12, as part of NACUFS’ annual national conference, this year located in Providence, R.I. She joined the Cedar Falls, Iowa, university two years ago and had previously directed foodservice at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.
Despard’s mentorship of others was a key reason for her selection as this year’s recipient, NACUFS past president Amy Beckstrom noted during the award presentation. In accepting the honor, Despard expressed gratitude for current and past colleagues, her husband and the support of the NACUFS community.
The Theodore W. Minah Award, which is in its 50th year, honors individuals who have, among other things, contributed notably to the evolution of college and university foodservice as well as to NACUFS.
Image courtesy of NACUFS