The University of Oregon’s housing and dining services received two awards recently from their respective professional associations.

“While we do our work for the satisfaction of serving students well, it is also rewarding to be recognized by our peers,” said Roger Thompson, vice president for student services and enrollment management. “These are tremendous national and international acknowledgments of the outstanding work that happens daily in campus housing and dining.”

Housing received the 2020 Institutional Presidential Service Award, presented by the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International.

“This is a big honor and a total surprise,” said Michael Griffel, assistant vice president and director for university housing.

The award is selected and presented by the association’s president on the group’s behalf and recognizes organizations that have made a positive impact on the campus housing profession.

UO housing was applauded for its long-term affiliation with the organization, including 30 years of participation on boards and committees and for influencing the association’s professional standards and financial decisions.

The volunteer-driven association is comprised of approximately 1,000 member institutions worldwide.

In recognition of its reusable plate, basket and silverware program, dining won the Grand Prize for Sustainability at the National Association of College and University Food Services National Conference.

“It’s great to see the shared effort of everyone involved get the recognition and kudos at the NACUFS national conference,” said Tom Driscoll, associate director of housing and director of dining services.

Driscoll said employees throughout the department played a part in launching the reusables program, including custodial, dining, facilities, marketing and residence life staff.