A group of Penn Staters proudly pose in front of their Portugal-based Habitat for Humanity build site. Front row, left to right: Jaqueline Beltran, University Park; Raquele Amato, Penn State Schuylkill; Tesi Washington, Penn State Harrisburg; Rogerio, Habitat for Humanity Portugal construction coordinator; Gabriel, partner family - Angela’s son; and Marla Stoner, Penn State Schuylkill. Second row, left to right: Madison Altmyer, University Park; John Sloane, University Park; Ian McGowan, Penn State Schuylkill; Alyssa Hatter, Penn State Schuylkill; Angela, partner family - Gabriel’s mother; Alex Bengel, University Park; Florbela Ferreira, Habitat for Humanity Portugal host coordinator; and Bryan M. Valentine, Penn State Schuylkill staff.
Spanos’ dish of squid ink pasta with crispy Rhode Island oyster, poached squid sausage, sautéed curry clam, batonnet zucchini, and pan roasted butternut squash in a saffron cream sauce thoroughly impressed the judges and the entire conference.
Representing Penn State, Harrisburg managing chef and culinary support specialist Athan Spanos won the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference Culinary Challenge and earned a Gold American Culinary Federation (ACF) medal.
