Mount Nittany Health is pleased to recognize Craig Hamilton, Executive Chef and Manager of Culinary Services, for his nomination for the Happy Valley Hospitality Award for Back-of-House Excellence. Hamilton was celebrated with his fellow nominees at the Second Annual Happy Valley Adventure Bureau’s Hospitality Awards Celebration on November 14th at Titan Hollow in Bellefonte.
Hamilton’s dedication and exceptional talent have significantly contributed to the success of Mount Nittany Medical Center’s culinary services, which play a pivotal role in our health system.
“Craig’s commitment to excellence and culinary expertise contribute to the overall patient and visitor experience at Mount Nittany Medical Center,” said Jay Hoover, Director, Ambulatory Services, Mount Nittany Health. “We routinely receive feedback praising the food and the culinary services team who go above and beyond to ensure that everyone receives not just a meal but a moment of comfort and care.”
Under Hamilton’s leadership, Mount Nittany Medical Center’s culinary services unit serves almost one million meals annually, catering to the diverse dietary needs of patients, staff, and visitors. On a daily basis, the culinary team efficiently delivers an average of 1,425 meals, showcasing Hamilton’s ability to orchestrate a high-volume operation while maintaining a commitment to quality.
Particularly noteworthy is Culinary Services’ dedication to ensuring that every individual at Mount Nittany Medical Center receives a thoughtful dining experience. About 90 percent of meals are made from scratch and each patient receives a menu with options that reflect their dietary needs, whether that’s gluten-free, vegetarian, low sodium or any other specific meal plan.
Hamilton earned his associate degree in culinary arts/chef training from Pennsylvania Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh. He has served as an executive chef for more than 19 years in various Pennsylvania communities, including Bucknell University and Mansfield University.
Mount Nittany Health proudly celebrates Hamilton’s achievements and for embodying our mission of “Healthier people, stronger community.”