Contact: Melanie Bélanger | District Marketing Director | melanie.belanger@compass-usa.edu

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Cal Poly Campus Dining earned multiple national honors from the National Association of College and University Food Services, including recognition for its innovative wellness programming, the award-winning renovation of Julian's at Kennedy Library and the leadership achievements of team member Saul Rios. Presented through the 2026 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards program, these honors recognize excellence and innovation in collegiate dining programs nationwide.

The Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards are among the highest honors in collegiate dining, recognizing programs that set national benchmarks for innovation, student engagement, operational excellence and service. Institutions from across the country compete annually, with entries evaluated by industry peers and experts.

The silver award highlights Cal Poly Campus Dining’s “Food Connects Us” Wellness and Nutrition Program. Designed to engage students with nutrition education, the initiative integrated campus partnerships, nutrition resources and hands-on learning opportunities across dining operations, marketing campaigns and student engagement efforts.

By meeting students where they are — through dining venues, social media and interactive campus events — the program connected students with health resources, nutrition experts and a greater sense of community. A campuswide nutrition event attracted more than 500 attendees, while an “Ask the Dietitian” series created opportunities for direct student engagement and personalized nutrition guidance. Partnerships across campus expanded the program’s reach and impact, helping students make informed choices while fostering conversations about wellness.

Cal Poly Campus Dining also earned the bronze award for Renovation of the Year for Julian’s at Kennedy Library. The project transformed the longtime campus coffee concept from a small second-floor location into a highly visible, street-accessible destination on the library’s first floor. The renovation improved accessibility, expanded functionality, and created a welcoming space for students, faculty and visitors to gather, study and connect.

Since opening, Julian's has received positive feedback for its expanded menu offerings, modern design and welcoming atmosphere.

“We’re honored to be recognized by NACUFS for the creativity, innovation and dedication our team brings to serving the Cal Poly community,” said Jess Dozier, director of Cal Poly Campus Dining. “These awards reflect our commitment to creating meaningful dining experiences that nourish and foster student success.”

Rios’ recognition as a finalist for the Paul Fairbrook Spirit of Service Award reflects more than two decades of dedication to Cal Poly Campus Dining. He joined the organization in 2004 at age 18 as a part-time prep cook assistant and quickly distinguished himself through his strong work ethic, humility and commitment to service. His willingness to take initiative, adapt to new challenges and lead by example led to multiple promotions, culminating in his appointment as assistant director of dining services for Chick-fil-A in 2023. Rios will be recognized at the NACUFS National Conference in July, where the grand prize recipient will be announced during the awards breakfast.

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized alongside so many talented professionals across the country,” said Rios. “My journey at Cal Poly Campus Dining has been shaped by the mentors, teammates and students I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years. This recognition reflects the culture of service, teamwork and continuous growth that defines our organization, and I’m proud to represent everyone who has been part of that journey.”

About Cal Poly Campus Dining

Cal Poly Campus Dining is an award-winning program, recently named the top program in the country for the 2025 Innovative Dining Program of the Year by the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS). Dedicated to providing exceptional food and beverage services to the Cal Poly community, Campus Dining works to create a welcoming dining environment for students, faculty and staff.