Hala Moddelmog Delivers
Commencement Address at The Culinary Institute of America
Media Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu
Hyde Park, NY – Hala Moddelmog, interim CEO of the Women's Foodservice Forum,
advised graduates of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) that authenticity
is the key to their success—and once they succeed, they need to give back. Ms.
Moddelmog was the commencement speaker at the CIA's Hyde Park, NY campus on
Friday, November 8, 2013.
"To be successful comes down to being your authentic self," the
Georgia native told 44 recipients of associate degrees in culinary arts and
baking and pastry arts. "It takes a lot of energy to be someone else. And who
you are is wonderful and perfect."
The former president of Arby's Restaurant Group, Ms.
Moddelmog became the first woman to lead an international restaurant company
when she was named president of Church's Chicken in 1995. In addition to her
leadership of quick-service restaurant companies, the breast cancer survivor served
three years as president and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Moddelmog reminded graduates that one out of every five
children in America doesn't know where his or her next meal is coming from.
"The good thing is this is a solvable issue," she said, challenging them to
help. "Your mission, elementally, is to feed people. Being at the CIA, you're
nourishing people and feeding them emotionally. I know you'll give back because
that's what this place is all about."
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image
Hala Moddelmog, interim CEO of the Women's Foodservice
Forum, speaking to graduates of The Culinary Institute of America on November
8, 2013. (Photo credit: CIA/Phil
Mansfield)
View hi-res image >
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent,
not-for-profit college offering associate and bachelor's degrees with majors in
culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and culinary science, as well as
certificate programs in culinary arts and wine and beverage studies. As the
world's premier culinary college, the CIA provides thought leadership in the areas
of health & wellness, sustainability, and world cuisines & cultures
through research and conferences. The CIA has a network of 45,000 alumni that
includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz,
Anthony Bourdain, Roy Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The CIA also offers courses for
professionals and enthusiasts, as well as consulting services in support of
innovation for the foodservice and hospitality industry. The college has
campuses in Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San Antonio, TX; and Singapore.
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