Dining Services Chef Honored with National Sodexo Award

Kenny Langston never set out to be a campus celebrity. But with his infectious energy, unwavering kindness, and a genuine passion for making every student feel at home, he has become one of the most well-liked figures at the University of New Haven.

Recently, Langston’s dedication as a chef for dining services was recognized on a national level when he was named the “Thanks for Making My Day” award winner by , the University’s third-party dining services provider. The national award is an honor given to front-line employees who go above and beyond in their interactions with students.

Selected from more than 400 campuses across the country, Langston stood out for his exceptional service and for the undeniable impact he has on the student experience.

Langston, who has been part of the University’s dining team since 2017, has always approached his work with enthusiasm. Whether he’s cooking up something special or simply greeting students with a smile, he makes it his mission to bring positivity into every interaction.

Jennifer Herndon, district manager for Sodexo, emphasized how much Langston’s presence means to the University community. “Kenny’s always looking to support the students, and he’s a superstar on social media () – a million views and thousands of likes. Our students were saying: ‘Kenny is just amazing. He’s a complete burst of energy, no matter what the day, and I love that.’”

‘It’s really great to be appreciated by so many’

For Langston, creating a welcoming and warm environment is just as important as serving a good meal. His philosophy is simple: “I love my job,” he says. “I always engage, smiling and making everyone around me happy. It’s really great to be appreciated by so many.”

He became a viral sensation last fall when a video of him cooking while speaking about the importance of making food with love gained massive attention on Instagram. In the video, he explained how essential it is to make meals that feel like home, especially for first-year students navigating their first year away from family.

Despite the sudden internet fame, Langston remains humble. “Nothing’s changed, because I believe I’m the same person every day I wake up,” he said.

For students, his presence in The Marketplace is more than a friendly face – it’s a source of comfort. One student shared, “From Day 1 he treated me with so much kindness and made every day better for me here.”

Langston hopes that students make the most of their time at the University and that they embrace every opportunity. “College is an experience that you’re supposed to enjoy,” he said. “And never settle for less when you deserve the best.”

‘Thank you for everything that you do’

During the award ceremony on campus, Sodexo CEO Brett Ladd shared, “I read a lot of these nominations, and this is the most impressive volume that I’ve seen in many, many, many months. Thank you for everything that you do.”

For Langston, cooking is about more than food – it’s about connection. He especially enjoys preparing omelets, not just because of the flavors but because they allow him to get creative, introducing students to something new. “I can add hash brown patties and give the students things they’ve never tried before,” he explained.

The recognition from Sodexo reinforces what the University of New Haven community has known for a long time – that Langston is an essential part of campus life. Reflecting on the honor, he kept his gratitude front and center. “I want to thank everyone who nominated me,” he said. “And I want to thank my co-workers. Oh, man, this got me ready to shed a tear.”