FREDONIA, N.Y. — November 25, 2008 — SUNY Fredonia was one of 12 universities nationwide to be recognized in the final results of a recent “Most Vegetarian-Friendly College” contest earlier this month, as determined by the breadth of vegetarian- and vegan-friendly dining options offered on campus.
The competition was sponsored by PETA2, the world’s largest youth animal rights organization and an affiliate of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Although SUNY Fredonia was not among the 10 universities on the official winners list, it was one of two schools given “Honorable Mention” status for its vegetarian and vegan options at Cranston Marché, Centre Pointe Lounge and especially Erie Dining Hall.
“We have really made great strides in increasing the variety of foods we offer on campus,” said Mike Proffer, director of dining services at SUNY Fredonia. “At Erie Dining Hall, in particular, we not only have increased the vegetarian and vegan foods we offer, but stressed healthy cooking procedures and expanded our menu to include organic foods and more fresh fruits and vegetables. And the vegetarian offerings fit very nicely in our mode of providing hearty and healthy home-style cooking, with more healthy choices for our customers.”
In announcing the final results, the PETA2 website stated, “At Fredonia, the university has added vegan tortellini, vegan seitan subs and faux-chicken and faux-beef ramen stir fries, to the delight of the student population!” The judges added that Fredonia is a “rising star in the contest and we look forward to seeing them in 2009.”
Students are increasingly pleased with what SUNY Fredonia’s dining halls are offering as well.
“The stir fry is big,” said Jessica Whittam, a senior vegan student from Port Jefferson, N.Y. “They have lots of salads and entrees as well. There are a lot of different choices.”
“They have a lot of Middle Eastern-inspired food,” added Erica White, a sophomore vegetarian from Syracuse, N.Y. “It’s nice. I get to feel like I’m at home even when I’m at school.”
SUNY Fredonia was one of just 32 teams to be included in the contest as a whole, and one of only two SUNY schools involved. Fredonia advanced past Brandeis University in the first round of the head-to-head, tournament-style event, before losing to eventual runner-up Wesleyan University in round two. Other well-known institutions in the competition included Ohio State University, University of Texas, University of Florida, UCLA, University of Georgia, Northwestern University, University of North Carolina, Georgetown University and contest winner American University.
