Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and the University at Albany Forge Partnership to Integrate Campus Dining into the Learning Environment

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 7, 2026--

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) today announced a landmark 15-year partnership with the University at Albany (UAlbany), a public research university in Albany, NY, to deliver a bold new vision for campus dining. Launching this January 2026, this collaboration will redefine the student dining experience through innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement.

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“At UAlbany, we believe a world-class education should be matched by a world-class environment. Our partnership with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality ensures that our services will set a new benchmark for collegiate excellence," said Michael Ramella, Executive Director of University Auxiliary Services (UAS). "For UAS, this initiative is more than a service upgrade; it is a dedicated investment in student well-being, community connection, and the holistic success of our diverse student body.”

Under the banner of Great Dane Hospitality, Aramark is introducing a dynamic hospitality ecosystem designed to elevate UAlbany as a premier dining program featuring globally inspired menus, cutting-edge technology, and vibrant social spaces to foster connection and belonging for students, faculty, and staff.

Anticipated highlights of the partnership include:

“This partnership is about more than food—it’s about creating an experience that supports student success and strengthens campus life,” said Barbara Flanagan, President and CEO of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “Together with UAlbany, we will deliver a world-class dining program that reflects the University’s culture and values while driving measurable growth and engagement.”

The collaboration underscores Aramark’s commitment to growth and innovation in higher education dining. The initiative leverages data-driven strategies and a simplified meal plan structure to simultaneously improve food accessibility for the broader campus population and drive substantial increases in retail and catering revenue.

Aramark today announced a landmark 15-year partnership with the University at Albany (UAlbany), a public research university in Albany, NY, to deliver a bold new vision for campus dining. Launching this January 2026, this collaboration will redefine the student dining experience through innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement.

SEVILLE, Spain (AP) — Real Betis strengthened its attack for a first Champions League campaign in 21 years by signing Ireland forward Troy Parrott, whose five goals in two World Cup qualifying games lifted his country into an unlikely playoffs spot.

Parrott signed a five-year deal after joining from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, Betis said in a statement late Thursday.

The transfer fee for the 24-year-old former Tottenham player was reportedly 16 million euros ($18.8 million).

Parrott scored 31 goals for AZ last season and made headlines with stunning back-to-back games for Ireland in November.

Needing to win both games to reach the World Cup playoffs, Parrott scored twice in a 2-0 home win over Portugal then a hat trick in a 3-2 win at Hungary capped by the winner deep into stoppage time.

The goal and team celebration instantly entered Irish soccer lore and Dublin Airport posted a social media meme changing its name to “Troy Parrott Airport.”

Parrott also scored in the playoffs semifinal in March when Ireland wasted a two-goal lead in Prague before losing a penalty shootout to the Czech Republic.

Betis, which plays in Irish green and white, placed fifth in La Liga last season to claim the Champions League entry awarded to Spain as a bonus because of its clubs’ overall record in the three UEFA competitions.

The team now coached by Manuel Pellegrini last played in the Champions League in 2005-06, placing third in a group with Liverpool, Chelsea and Anderlecht.

The 36-team league phase draw is made in Monaco next Thursday.

See AP’s full soccer coverage here

FILE -Ireland's Troy Parrott, right, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos, File)