The Heersink School of Medicine gathered for an evening of food, creativity, and connection on February 5, as the annual Heersink School of Medicine Food Fair returned, this year hosted in the new Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine & Data Sciences Building. From 4:30 to 6 p.m., the lobby and Conference Room 102 buzzed with conversation as faculty, staff, students, and their families moved from table to table, sampling dishes and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Each department presented colorful displays reflecting shared traditions or favorite foods, keeping the energy high as participants shared pieces of themselves with colleagues outside of their day-to-day roles. Tables were adorned with details that highlighted what makes each department unique—banners, photographs, matching shirts, and even disco balls—adding to the sense of creativity and fun. A DJ helped set the tone throughout the evening, playing upbeat, crowd-pleasing music that added to the festive mood.
New to the event this year, Conference Room 102 offered a welcome space for guests to step away from the bustle, sit down, and enjoy their plates before heading back into the heart of the Food Fair for another round of tasting.
Announcing the 2026 Heersink School of Medicine Food Fair winners
In addition to being a time for connection and celebration, the Food Fair also featured a friendly competition. Departments were judged on flavor, presentation, creativity, and overall design by a panel of leaders from across the Heersink School of Medicine, representing a range of roles and areas within the school.
The school extends its appreciation to this year’s judges for their time and thoughtful consideration: Jean Ann Larson, Paige Dorman, Alan Tita, Megan Cain, Ryan Outman, and Alecia Gross.
With so many strong entries, the competition was especially close this year.
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Heersink School of Medicine Food Fair:
First Place
- Department of Family and Community Medicine
- Department of Neurosurgery
- Department of Pediatrics
- Department of Medicine
Second Place
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Third Place
- Department of Emergency Medicine
- Department of OB/GYN
The first-, second-, and third-place department winners will receive funds to support a team lunch in recognition of the creativity, teamwork, and effort that went into making their tables stand out.
The first-, second-, and third-place department winners will receive funds to support a team lunch in recognition of the creativity, teamwork, and effort that went into making their tables stand out.
Click here to view the full album of photos from the Food Fair.