C. Dennis Piece, who most recently served as the Executive Director of Dining Services, announced his retirement in April. Pierce has provided UConn with 34 years of devoted service and he will be greatly missed by students and colleagues alike.
A talented leader and accomplished food service administrator, his vision and expertise in college dining services has driven notable enterprise growth in resident board operations, retail, and the catering service sectors. His achievements have been featured in Food Service Director, Food Management, and Restaurant & Institutions magazines. He currently writes a column in Neighbor’s, a local regional paper, called, From the Ground Up, Buying Local in Connecticut, for which he has received two Connecticut Journalism awards. He has held the position of the President of the National Association of College & University Association, and has been the recipient of the Association’s Ted Minah award, the most prestigious recognition that the association offers. Topping off his foodservice career, Dennis received the Silver Plate Award for the College & University sector, Class of 2018, by the International Food Manufacturer’s Association.
Dennis’ attention to detail, while keeping the broader picture in mind, has been invaluable. His willingness to put in extra time and effort to help UConn meet the varied needs of students has demonstrated a commitment to excellence that we have come to depend upon.
A national search will be conducted in the fall to refill the Executive Director of Dining Services position.