Celebrating a Banner Year at UC Merced Dining
2024 has been an exceptional year for UC Merced Dining, marked by national recognition and prestigious awards. Our dedicated team’s hard work and innovative approaches have been acknowledged on multiple fronts.
First, we proudly received a Silver Award at the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) National Conference. This accolade celebrates our excellence in Outreach and Education. Additionally, Chef Jonathan was honored with the Produce Excellence Award at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Conference in Monterey. His recognition marks our second successful nomination with the IFPA, following last year’s win by Chef Santana Diaz of UC Davis Health for Produce Excellence in Hospitals.
Personally, I was deeply honored to be named Chef of the Year by the Monterey Bay American Culinary Federation. Furthermore, I received the Staff Assembly Award for my collaborations with UC Merced’s Division of Equity, Justice, and Inclusive Excellence. These accolades are a testament to the power of writing and the importance of thoughtful nominations.
The successes we’ve achieved this year underscore the impact of well-crafted nominations. I am proud to have written the nominations that secured our Silver Award at NACUFS and Chef Jonathan’s recognition at the IFPA. These experiences highlight the value of recognizing and celebrating the hard work and achievements within our culinary community.
As we reflect on this banner year, we are inspired to continue our commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in all our culinary endeavors. Here’s to many more achievements and accolades in the future!
Enhancing UC Merced’s Vibrant Community Through Cold Emails
In addition to our culinary achievements, another significant highlight of this year has been our success in bringing remarkable speakers to UC Merced. Through the power of writing, specifically cold emails, (a cold email is a first-time email sent to a recipient without prior contact) we’ve managed to attract a diverse array of distinguished guests who have enriched our students and community with their experiences and insights.
Among our notable guests was award-winning Latina filmmaker Eugenia Renteria, who shared her inspiring journey in the film industry. We were also honored to host Ross Koda, President of Koda Farms and Uka Sake, the oldest continuously operating rice farm and mill in California, located right here in Merced County. Nationally renowned author Natalie Baszile, known for her works Queen Sugar and We Are Each Other’s Harvest, graced our campus alongside Brenae Royal, a local success story celebrated for her contributions to the wine industry.
For Black History Month, we welcomed Arthur Moye III, CEO of Full Circle Brewing, the largest black-owned brewery in the United States. His visit was a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation.
Our most exciting guest this year was celebrity chef, musician, and storyteller Ed Porter. He captivated our community with a dining takeover and a multi-course served meal, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Ed Porter also brought DJ Dime, who played tracks from his new album, adding a unique musical element to the event.
These engagements have significantly enhanced the vibrancy of our campus and underscored the importance of outreach and connection. Through the art of writing and the persistence of cold emailing, we’ve succeeded in creating memorable experiences and fostering a rich, diverse learning
Securing Support Through the Power of Writing
A third testament to the impact of effectively conveying passion through writing is our success in securing sponsorships and funding for various projects at UC Merced. This crucial skill has enabled us to bring outstanding guest speakers to our campus, covering honorariums, travel expenses, and book purchases.
Over the past year, we’ve garnered support for four of our distinguished guest speakers, ensuring their visits were impactful and memorable for our community. Additionally, we successfully found a sponsor for our “We Are Each Other’s Harvest” book giveaway during Black History Month, allowing us to share this significant work with our students.
These achievements underscore the vital role that passionate and persuasive writing plays in bringing our vision to life and enriching the educational experience at UC Merced.
Reflecting on a Remarkable Year at UC Merced Dining
Reflecting on this remarkable year at UC Merced Dining, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the numerous accomplishments and experiences that have enriched our community. From receiving national recognition at the NACUFS Conference and the International Fresh Produce Association Conference to being honored by the Monterey Bay American Culinary Federation and UC Merced’s Staff Assembly, our team’s dedication and innovation have truly shone.
Through the power of writing, we have not only secured these accolades but also brought a diverse array of distinguished speakers to our campus, from award-winning filmmaker Eugenia Renteria to celebrity chef and musician Ed Porter. These engagements have inspired and educated our students, fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
Moreover, our ability to convey the passion behind our projects has enabled us to secure sponsorships and funding, ensuring the success of our events and initiatives. This year has been a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful communication and collaboration. As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in all our culinary endeavors at UC Merced.
Culinary Connections 