The Culinary Institute of America

120 Earn Bachelor's Degrees; 66 Receive Associate Degrees

Contact:

Jeff Levine
Media Relations
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu

Hyde Park, NY, March 6, 2009 – In a ceremony held at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, NY, 120 graduates of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) received bachelor's degrees in culinary arts management and baking and pastry arts management. The following day, 66 more students earned their associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts at the CIA campus.

The baccalaureate degree commencement on Thursday, February 26 was held off-campus to accommodate the nearly 1,000 people attending the ceremony. Graduation speaker John Dorman, general manager of New York City's University Club, advised graduates they are ready to become the culinary leaders of tomorrow.

"As a leader, you can always talk the talk. But you better also walk the talk," advised Mr. Dorman, a 1978 CIA alumnus. "It is through mutual respect that you lead. Make sure the people on your team can be trusted and show them you can be trusted. Keep your promises."

Tanya Steel, editor-in-chief of Epicurious.com, provided a "recipe for success" during her commencement speech to associate degree recipients on Friday, February 27. Ingredients in her recipe include understanding techniques and theories, gaining practical experience, practicing humility, and having good humor. "The art of creating food, and the love and passion food engenders, will continue to grow, giving you ample career opportunities around the globe," said Ms. Steel.

Epicurious.com was the winner of the 2008 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Web Site Focusing on Food, Beverage, Restaurant, or Nutrition. The CIA has partnered with the site on a number of projects, including the current "Around the World in 80 Dishes," which can be found at www.epicurious.com/video/80-global-dishes.

Among the associate degree graduates was Kaiulani Tellez-Giron, the first transfer student from The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio to earn a degree. Students at the new San Antonio campus study for seven months and earn a culinary arts certificate, with credits transferable towards their associate and bachelor's degrees at the college's Hyde Park campus.

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Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate degrees, as well as certificate programs, in either culinary arts or baking and pastry arts. As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA has a network of more than 37,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Michael Chiarello, Cat Cora, Steve Ells, Todd English, Duff Goldman, Sara Moulton, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The college has campuses in New York (Hyde Park), California (The CIA at Greystone, St. Helena), and Texas (San Antonio). In addition to its degree programs, the CIA offers courses for professionals and food enthusiasts, as well as wine education. For more information, and a complete listing of program offerings at each site, visit the CIA online at www.ciachef.edu.

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