Serving up in style and sustainability at the VIP fashion reception

Mount Pleasant, MI — On Saturday, April 12, students from Central Michigan University’s NDS 261 Foodservice Catering for Events course brought their skills to the spotlight during the VIP Reception for the annual CMU Threads Fashion Show. The foodservice portion of the event, hosted in partnership with Creative Dining Services, showcased the students’ creativity, professionalism, and focus on health-conscious, sustainable hospitality.

Under the guidance of Chef Lo Waters, Chef Manager at Creative Dining Services, students developed and served a curated selection of delicious and nutritious hors d'oeuvres designed to impress. Through collaborative brainstorming sessions, the team crafted a menu that balanced elegance with wellness, featuring highlights such as potato dauphinoise, fig and brie crostini, beef tenderloin crostini, assorted mini macaroons, and a gelato action station.

To support CMU’s commitment to sustainability, the students chose to serve all items on eco-friendly bamboo service ware, offering guests an elevated yet environmentally responsible experience.

Throughout the evening, students butler-passed hors d'oeuvres to over 100 guests, showcasing both exceptional service and their dedication to sustainable food practices.

Dr. Jeff Fisher, professor for NDS 261, praised the students’ efforts, “This event gave our students a real-world opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a high-profile setting. Their professionalism, creativity, and collaboration with Chef Waters truly exemplified what CMU is all about.”

The successful reception not only elevated the pre-show experience but also offered students an immersive look into event catering, foodservice logistics, and customer service—key elements of their future careers in event planning.

To learn more about the Nutrition and Dietetics program and course offerings, please contact program director Dr. Najat Yehia at yahia1n@cmich.edu. For information about NDS 261 or the Nutrition minor, please contact Dr. Jeff Fisher at fishe2jj@cmich.edu.