Provided

President David Skorton is the first model for Cornell's 'Got Milk?' mustache campaign.

It started in March 2011 as an assignment for a student intern to promote dairy products on campus. More than a year later, Cornell's "got milk?" campaign has been recognized nationally, recently placing third as an innovative nutrition program at the National Association of College and University Food Service's Nutrition Awards.

The Cornell program was the brainchild of Jamie Cohen '12, who was interning in Cornell Dining under the direction of registered dietitian Michele Wilbur. A collector of the national "got milk?" advertisements, Cohen asked Cornell President David Skorton if he'd pose with a milk mustache. He agreed, and Cornell subsequently was granted temporary use of the "got milk?" trademark. Using Greek yogurt, Skorton donned a mustache and was photographed for a poster with the tagline "Drink Smart," to emphasize the high-quality protein and B vitamins found in dairy products.

That poster was followed by five additional ones with such Cornellians as Brian Wansink, director of Cornell's Food and Brand Lab, and Kathryn Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, each with its own tagline. Together, the posters raised campus awareness about the benefits of low-fat dairy consumption, strengthened the partnership between Cornell Dairy and Cornell Dining and promoted local dairy and other agricultural products.

Also a first for Cornell Dining: On June 15 at the 17th Annual Chef Culinary Conference held at the University of Massachusetts, a team of Cornell culinary experts received a bronze medal in the team-cooking competition from the American Culinary Federation for the preparation of a three-course menu with two single-protein items and buffet.

Team members were Cathy Holt, chef at Keeton House; Hilda Loubser, chef at Robert Purcell Marketplace Eatery; Kevin Moore, interim chef, spring 2012, at 104! West; and Patsy Stevens, food service worker.