Assumption University Selects New Hospitality Partner for Dining Services

Worcester, MA – After conducting a thorough and competitive proposal process, Assumption University announces that Aramark Collegiate Hospitality has been selected as their new hospitality partner beginning this summer. A trusted leader in the industry, Aramark was chosen based on their ability to intentionally align with Assumption University’s community and Catholic traditions, and for their capacity to connect with Assumption’s vision and strategic focus to positively impact student outcomes and drive engagement.  

Assumption University President Greg Weiner said, “We are excited to announce this partnership and what promises to be a transformation of our dining experience at Assumption University. This decision is a direct result of community feedback, especially from our students. We heard you, and we will continue to solicit your feedback in the coming months.”

Starting this fall, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality plans to host community forums to ensure the campus dining program continuously evolves based on Assumption students’ needs and preferences. Additionally, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality will be on campus in March to meet all current dining employees who are an integral part of the Assumption community. “People are our greatest asset, we value our people and recognize that there are many long-term dining employees with strong relationships with students and members of the Assumption community,” noted Aramark Regional Vice President Brisbane Vaillancourt. 

With the launch of Assumption Hospitality, a new campus hospitality brand, the dining program will align to the overall strategic goals set out by Assumption leadership with an exciting focus on the future, ensuring each student is supported in their academic pursuits and enjoys a connected campus experience. Over $1 million has been dedicated to renovation and rebranding in Taylor Dining Hall, including refreshed physical spaces and new food concepts. 

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality will introduce exciting new initiatives, including:  

• Diverse culinary adventures promoting healthy lifestyles and sustainable practices while elevating a student-centric dining experience.
• Expanded late-night and weekend offerings to accommodate the overall campus community including athletes.
• Being intentionally interwoven into the fabric of the community with commitments to student and athletes’ wellbeing, post-graduate success and enhanced connections to campus departments and organizations.
• Elevated student engagement activities such as an experiential teaching platform and programming to support mental health and wellbeing.
• Improved access and flexibility from compelling retail convenience offers including 24/7 autonomous technology.
• Student intern opportunities in areas like marketing and nutrition. 
• Robust grab-and-go offerings giving students, faculty and staff access to a quick meal solution, beverage, or snack throughout their busy day.
• A comprehensive sustainability plan advancing campus-wide goals including increased local sourcing. 

“The overall campus dining experience will be elevated with a culinary-forward program and will include a wide variety of exciting menu options ensuring that students with special dietary needs have abundant choices, and that plant-forward options are available broadly on campus,” said Aramark’s Regional Culinary Director Mike Wilson.

Several members of the campus community, including students, had the opportunity to meet the Aramark team while they were on campus participating in vendor presentations. 

“I am extremely excited for Aramark to join us here on 500 Salisbury Street as our new dining services provider! Aramark’s vision of a student-centric, engaging dining program seamlessly aligns with the trajectory of Assumption’s growth. As a Hound, I couldn’t be prouder to witness this exciting moment in Assumption University history!” said Alex Dumais, member of the class of 2024.

Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.