UMW Dining hosts Oktoberfest Celebration dinner for alumni and students

University of Mary Washington (UMW) Dining Services by Sodexo hosted an Oktoberfest celebration dinner for students and alumni in early October at the top of their new University Center.

While listening to lively German beer-hall music, guests enjoyed unlimited buffets that included German specialty dishes like Jaeger Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Sauerkraut with Bacon, Piergoies, Kielbasa, and a Spaetzle Toss Bar.

The highlight of the dinner was grilled pork sausage made from scratch by Executive Chef Andreas Ortner.

Chef Ortner, who is originally from Austria, drew upon his European culinary background to prepare and grill the sausage to perfection. Alumni dinner guests were so impressed with Chef Ortner's culinary creations that they broke into applause when he entered the dining room!

UMW Dining Services provided this exceptional dining experience to students as part of their regular meal plan (at no extra charge) and gave alumni a special discounted dinner rate. Community guests were also welcome to attend, as all of UMW's campus dining facilities are open to the general public.

The Oktoberfest dinner was the second of what will now be monthly "Alumni Night" dinners hosted by UMW Dining Services.

"Our monthly Alumni Night dinners provide UMW graduates opportunities to meet up with old friends and stay connected to their university family while enjoying some fabulous food and festivities,” said Campus Dining Marketing Manager Rose Benedict. “We hope to see these dinners grow in popularity and become 'don't miss' events for our UMW alumni."

Upcoming dinners will include a Jewish Heritage dinner on November 8 and a Winter Holiday dinner on December 6. Additional dinners are being planned for 2017, including a Founder's Day Celebration in March.

For more information about upcoming events, contact Rose Benedict at rbenedic@umw.edu.