The National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association has selected Quinnipiac’s Student QFO (Qualified Food Operator) Certification Program at the Recreation & Wellness Center as a recipient of a 2026 Campus Rec Innovative Programming Award, highlighting the program’s impact on student engagement, health and hands-on learning.

The honor was formally recognized at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Conference & Expo, held April 7–10 in National Harbor, Maryland.

The Student QFO Certification Program provides students with the opportunity to earn a nationally recognized food safety credential at no cost. In return, participants lead culinary workshops in the university’s Recreation & Wellness Center demonstration kitchen, creating inclusive, student-driven programming that promotes wellness, community and practical life skills.

Launched as a way to activate a new campus space and expand access, the program has quickly grown in both scope and impact. Students now host multiple events each month, offering sessions ranging from meal prep to creative cooking experiences inspired by popular trends. Participation has surged, with events consistently reaching capacity and contributing to a significant increase in overall programming in the space.

Central to the program’s success are student leaders like Christina Leshak and Rebecca Rando, who help design and facilitate sessions for their peers. The initiative is led by Kaylee Laing, associate director of recreation, and Grace Little, assistant director of recreation, who developed the program from the ground up—securing funding, creating a student application process and mentoring participants as they build leadership and teaching skills.

The program reflects Quinnipiac’s broader commitment to student well-being by combining nutrition education, food safety and peer-to-peer learning in an engaging, accessible format. Organizers say participants leave not only with new culinary skills, but also with a stronger sense of connection and confidence.

In addition to the program’s recognition, Quinnipiac also had a presence at this year’s NIRSA annual conference through thought leadership in the evolving landscape of collegiate recreation. John Somers, associate director of recreation, presented a session titled “NIL Ruined My Life,” examining how name, image and likeness (NIL) policies are reshaping club sports.

The presentation explored how changes in NCAA athletics—including increased athlete compensation and shifting roster dynamics—are influencing club sports participation and leadership opportunities. Somers and his colleagues shared real-world strategies to help institutions support student-athletes transitioning into club sports, as well as prepare for anticipated growth in participation.

Together, the national award and conference presentation underscore Quinnipiac’s leadership in campus recreation—both in innovative programming and in addressing emerging trends that impact student life.