Shepherd University Chef Wins District ACE Culinary Competition

ISSUED: 23 January 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Mong, Director, Shepherd University Hospitality

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - The Shepherd University Hospitality Team is proud to announce that Chef Todd Geisbert has been named the district winner of this year's Aramark Annual Culinary Excellence (ACE) Competition.

The district ACE competition kicked off the week of January 5 at West Chester University, where chefs from across the district gathered to test their culinary creativity and technical skills in a timed, high-pressure environment. Each participating chef was presented with the same featured ingredient and challenged to prepare a recipe of their choosing, composing four identical plated portions within the allotted competition timeframe.

This year's district ingredient was cod, and the competing chefs delivered an impressive range of innovative and thoughtfully executed dishes that reflected the depth of culinary talent within the district.

Todd Geisbert, chef manager at Shepherd University, stood out among the competitors for his exceptional execution, flavor, and presentation, earning him top honors in the district competition.

With this win, Chef Geisbert advances to the next stage of the ACE Competition, where he will represent the district at the regional level and compete against chefs from other districts.

The Shepherd University Hospitality Team is incredibly proud of Chef Geisbert's achievement, which reflects his dedication to culinary excellence and his ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality dining experiences for the campus community.

Please join us in congratulating Chef Todd Geisbert on this outstanding accomplishment and wishing him continued success as he advances in the ACE regional competition.

About Shepherd University Hospitality
The Shepherd University Hospitality Team, in partnership with Aramark, is committed to enhancing campus life through high-quality dining, culinary innovation, and exceptional service.

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