A couple of prestigious awards recognizing excellence and innovation in collegiate dining programs nationwide were recently served to the UM Dining Center. NEW FACILITIES GRAND PRIZEUM News Service tells us that the University of Montana’s Lodge Dining Center recently earned the grand prize for outstanding performance among new higher education dining facilities at the National Association of College and University Food Services annual conference. The Lodge represents our vision for the future of campus dining – a welcoming space that celebrates Montana, fosters community and operates with sustainability at its core.” The 38,000-square-foot, two-story facility features seating for nearly 1,000 guests, seven micro-restaurants, two outdoor dining decks overlooking the UM Campus Oval and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. The facility’s micro-restaurant model allows staff to prepare food in smaller batches, resulting in fresher offerings, reduced food waste and improved inventory management.