KU Dining Services Director Wins Major National Award

The KU Memorial Unions announced today that KU Dining Services Director, Nona Golledge, has been selected as the 2015 IFMA Silver Plate recipient in the Colleges and Universities category.  Golledge was chosen by a distinguished jury of foodservice trade press editors and the 2014 Silver Plate recipients.

Since 1955, the International Food Manufacturer’s Association (IFMA) Gold and Silver Plate Awards have acknowledged the most outstanding talents in the $600 billion foodservice industry. Since its inception, the mission of the Gold and Silver Plate program has been to recognize excellence and encourage excellence. Referred to as the “Academy Awards for the food service industry, past recipients of this prestigious award include celebrity chef Charlie Trotter; Ronald Shaich Chairman & CEO, Panera Bread; and Jon Luther, former Chairman of the Board, Dunkin' Brands.

Golledge and her team were nominated for the prestigious Silver Plate Award by four industry giants including Sysco, Hobart, Idahoan Potatoes, and Schwan’s. Golledge and KU Dining Services were selected as an award winner because of their position as a leader in the collegiate dining sector. KU Dining enjoys an exceptional reputation among peer institutions and is often sought out for advice on sustainability, managing student food allergies, creative menu ideas and strategic planning.

Golledge has worked in the food service industry for 34 years, serving as KU Dining Services Director since 2006. Her department is responsible for three residential dining centers, 16 retail dining operations, one full-service restaurant and campus catering services.  KU Dining employs over 600 staff, most of which are students, and serves nearly two million meals throughout the academic year. 

In 2011, Golledge was elected as the President of National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS), and credits her NACUFS experience as a driver to KU Dining’s success.

 “This award means the world to me,” said Golledge. “I see it as a team award. My leadership team is truly one of the best in the nation. They have done so much over the years to bring KU Dining to the next level and beyond. They embrace the can-do spirit that makes it possible for our organization to stay innovative in the collegiate dining sector.”

The formal recognition and award ceremonies for this year's Silver Plate recipients will take place on May 18, 2015, in Chicago.  At that time, a Gold Plate Award winner will be selected from among the seven finalists.

“We wish Nona and her team the best as they move into this final round,” said David Mucci, Union Director.  “Regardless of the outcome, KU Dining is a winner in our eyes. Nona and the entire KU Dining staff provide exemplary service to the KU community.  I know I speak for the entire KU Memorial Unions team in congratulating Nona and her staff on this significant accomplishment.”

KUDining Services is a service of the KU Memorial Unions and provides dining services to the KU community through residential dining halls, retail dining operations and campus catering.