Niagara University’s Dining Services leadership team was recognized with two prestigious awards by Metz Culinary Management.
Andrew Shaner was named District Manager of the Year, an award presented to a district manager who consistently demonstrates outstanding performance and contributes significantly to the growth and success of their partners, their division, and the organization.
Executive Chef Dan Drees won the Roots n’ Shoots culinary competition, which this year challenged chefs across the organization to create plant-based cuisine. The intensive three-round, two-month competition concluded on Dec. 11, 2024, when Chef Dan’s vegan seared scallops (using king oyster mushrooms) over butternut squash puree with chimichurri, chipotle lime oil, and frizzled leeks took the top prize.
“We are incredibly proud of Metz District Manager Andrew Shaner and Executive Chef Dan Drees for their outstanding achievements and the well-deserved recognition from Metz Culinary Management,” said Christopher Sheffield, vice president for Student Affairs. “Andrew’s exceptional leadership as District Manager of the Year and Dan’s creativity and excellence demonstrated in winning the Roots n’ Shoots culinary competition are a testament to their dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience for our students and campus community. Their hard work, passion, and commitment to excellence exemplify the values we uphold at Niagara University, and we are thrilled to celebrate their success.”
Chef Dan’s winning recipe is expected to become a standout addition to Metz menus across locations in the coming year, said Jeff Metz, president and CEO, who added that these recognitions “reflect the excellence (Niagara University) consistently fosters.”
