Campus dining at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), in partnership with Sodexo, is getting national attention for doing more than serving meals.
CU Denver Housing and Dining won two silver awards in the 2026 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards from the National Association of College & University Food Services, one of the highest honors in collegiate dining. Judges selected CU Denver from nearly 300 submissions nationwide and recognized the university in the Renovation of the Year and Residential Special Event of the Year categories.
The awards recognize the transformation of Milo’s Den and “Haunted Halls,” a campus wide Halloween dining experience that turned everyday meals into immersive student events. They also reflect how CU Denver and Sodexo approach student dining as part of the broader, holistic campus experience—serving nutritious meals while creating spaces and events that help students connect with each other and build community.
Milo’s Den Renovation Earns National Recognition
Once a grab-and-go space, Milo’s Den was redesigned into a vibrant dining hub shaped by student feedback, campus collaboration, and Denver-inspired food culture.
Beautifully designed multi-functional spaces and services—including self-serve kiosks, lounges, and new kitchen equipment—were built so students can choose the best environment for their current needs, whether that is a space to study, dine with friends, or meet new people. The renovation helped create a more welcoming and community-focused experience for students with an 11.4% increase in meal plan participation from spring 2025 to spring 2026.
“This project showed what can happen when students help lead the conversation and know their opinions matter,” said Brian J. Moffitt, Ed.D., executive director of Housing and Dining at CU Denver. “Milo’s Den became more than a place to grab food. It became a space where students want to gather, connect, and feel part of campus life.”
Haunted Halls Transformed Dining into an Immersive Campus Event
CU Denver also earned a silver medal for Haunted Halls, a four-part Halloween experience that blended themed menus, entertainment, and campus partnerships across multiple locations.
The event featured New Orleans-inspired dishes at City Heights Dining Hall, carnival-themed desserts, horror movie screenings and temporary Halloween names for some campus favorites, including “Bat Wings,” “Mummy Meatballs,” and “Slaughter Sliders.”
Campus partners expanded the experience beyond dining. During one Halloween activation, students who got vaccinated received expedited access to a themed escape room.
A Partnership Focused on Food, Health, and Community
The recognition also reflects the growing collaboration between CU Denver and Sodexo to create dining experiences that support student health, well-being, and belonging.
“These awards reflect what is possible when a university and dining partner work together with a shared focus on the student experience,” said Ryan Vanderwall, district manager, Sodexo Campus. “Together with CU Denver, we are creating spaces and experiences that support well-being, celebrate community, and give students food they are genuinely excited to enjoy. Our goal is not simply to serve nutritious meals, but to help students feel connected, supported, and cared for throughout their time on campus.” Together, the partners expanded healthy and culturally responsive menu options, introduced chef-driven programming and redesigned dining spaces based on student feedback and preferences. Their work brought James Beard Award-winning culinary talent to City Heights Dining Hall, helped CU Denver win the Rocky Mountain Cookoff in back-to-back years, and strengthened investments in spaces that help students feel welcome on campus every day.
###
About the University of Colorado Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We’re the state’s premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners—at any stage of their life and career—for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $665 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.
About Sodexo North America
Sodexo North America is a division of Sodexo Group, a global leader in food and services shaping better everyday experiences at every moment in life: work, heal, learn, and play. Operating in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam, Sodexo North America is committed to meeting the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and to contribute to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo Group stands out for its independence, its founding family shareholding and its responsible business model. Sodexo is included in the CAC Next 20, CAC SBT 1.5, FTSE 4 Good, and DJSI indices.
