Mike Munkel has a passion for service. The general manager for Sodexho dining services at the University of Tennessee at Martin doesn’t just serve the campus its meals, he also serves the community through a variety of volunteer and outreach projects. Today Munkel was recognized for his commitment to campus and community service when he was named the winner of the Sodexho Service Spirit Award for Customer Satisfaction. He was chosen for the award from among 10,000 eligible company employees in North America. Munkel was nominated for the company-wide award on the merit of his many community activities. He has led members of his UT Martin Sodexho team in an annual Christmas stocking drive, with all the donated items going to local police and fire departments. Other projects include visiting local primary schools to teach students about safety in the kitchen, and managing the menus and cooking for Camp Celebration, a camp in Memphis for mentally retarded people from across the region. “I’m very proud, but I don’t know what I did to earn this,” he said of the national award. “It’s fun. When you live in Martin, Tennessee, it’s very easy. What did I do to earn this? It’s things I love doing. We try to do all we can to help. It’s one of our passions.” Munkel’s award will include a congratulatory dinner, an obelisk, $500 cash and a unit theme party. Prior to receiving the North American honor, he was also named the winner for the regional division. “Martin is a wonderful community with wonderful people,” he said. “Anything UT Martin dining services or I can do to stay in touch with that is well worth it, “ added Munkel.