Michigan State University Culinary Services has been awarded silver in the residential dining concept category from the National Association of College and University Food Services for The Edge at Akers.
The Edge at Akers was the last of seven major renovations completed at MSU from 2009 through 2015.
“Unique equipment, a well-executed design and authentic cuisine have transitioned Akers into a popular destination on campus,” said Guy Procopio, director of Culinary Services. “I’m proud of what our team has accomplished, and it’s an honor to be recognized by our peers for the innovation and commitment that went into this project.”
After eight months of transformation, The Edge at Akers reopened its doors in January 2015. With distinctive food venues, bold colors, captivating signs and architectural diversity, The Edge quickly became a must-visit location for students, faculty, staff and the East Lansing community.
Akers has featured a dining hall since it opened in 1964, however, its transformation into The Edge required crews to clear out and reconstruct the existing space.
“It took a large magnitude of collaboration to take a dining hall that had been underutilized by our students and to reimagine it as a gathering space for the entire university community,” said Brenda Nelson, dining complex manager for MSU’s East Neighborhood.
As part of the university’s commitment to sustainability, The Edge at Akers is a trayless dining hall. In addition, guests may eat breakfast until 2 p.m. during fall and spring semesters, cookies are baked in-house daily, traditional naan bread is made in two tandoori ovens and a freshly toasted bun is used for grill items.
The renewed halls also embrace MSU’s core values focused on quality, inclusiveness and connectivity.
“Completing the Dining Master Plan is truly a success story,” said Vennie Gore, vice president for auxiliary enterprises for the MSU division of Residential and Hospitality Services. “The accomplishment is even more substantial because it extends beyond dining; these renovated halls have created environments in which students connect with their professors and peers. This contributes to the academic success of our students by nourishing their minds and bodies in an active, diverse social setting.”
For more information, visit www.eatatstate.com.
Photo courtesy MSU Culinary Services.