Cam Schauf, former Director of Dining Services and Auxiliary Operations at the University of Rochester, has been recently recognized by the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) for his outstanding accomplishments in the growth and development of food service at the University. Schauf, having retired from Rochester in 2022, was awarded the 2024 David R. Prentkowski Distinguished Lifetime Member Award based on nominations from his peers and colleagues. Other recipients of this award include Mona Milius from the University of Northern Iowa and Rich Neumann from Ohio University.
During Schauf’s 25 years of service across five different colleges and universities, he worked to develop six pillars of sustainability to guide the University’s dining program – buy locally, responsible purchasing, waste minimization, education, energy and water conservation, and green buildings and operations. Schauf’s leadership in expanding sustainability throughout Rochester’s dining services have resulted in both individual and campus wide recognition. Alongside the more recent NACUFS award, Schauf was recognized as the Individual Winner for Seneca Park Zoo Society’s Environmental Innovation Award in 2019. NACUFS also recognized the University’s Dining Services by presenting them the Gold Award for Procurement Practices in 2018 Sustainability Awards contest.
“I am also touched and honored to be receiving an award named for David Prentkowski. Dave was a role model and a friend through much of my career,” Schauf said. “I know it has been the people I have worked with, mentored and served through the years that have made a tremendous difference in my life, and I believe I have made a difference in the lives of others as well. I owe a good deal of my success to NACUFS and all of my NACUFS friends. I love this association and couldn’t think of a bigger honor than being recognized by NACUFS and its members.”
NACUFS was founded in 1958 by food service professionals and recognizes colleges and universities, as well as individual leaders for their success in developing excellence in collegiate dining. NACUFS highlights organizations worldwide, making the recognition of Schuaf and the University an incredible achievement. As a recipient of a NACUFS award, programs and resources are provided to the recognized institutions and individuals to continue the betterment of dining programs.
Written by Bridget Riley, ‘25
