Culinary News from The Culinary Institute of America

McIlhenny CEO Brings Heat to CIA Bachelor’s Graduation

Restaurant industry technology entrepreneur Noah Glass speaks to associate degree graduates at the CIA’s New York campus on December 21, 2016

Olo Founder Speaks at Associate Degree Ceremony

Hyde Park, NY – In a pair of commencement ceremonies at the New York campus of The Culinary Institute of America, 175 new graduates launched careers in the exciting food world. Tony Simmons, whose McIlhenny Company makes Tabasco products, was keynote speaker at the baccalaureate graduation on December 20. The following day, Noah Glass, founder of the New York City-based technology company Olo, addressed associate degree graduates.

Mr. Simmons is the great-great-grandson of Edmund McIlhenny, creator of the original Tabasco pepper sauce, and—as president and chief executive officer—is the seventh family member to run the company.

“With your graduation, you are beginning your journey,” Mr. Simmons told recipients of diplomas in Food Business Management, Culinary Science, and Applied Food Studies. “Where you start in life is not important. Where you end up is.”

Louisiana-based McIlhenny has been a longtime supporter of CIA students; the Tabasco Brand/McIlhenny Company Scholarship is the longest-running scholarship program at the college.

On December 21, graduates receiving associate degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts heard from Mr. Glass, founder and CEO of Olo, a leading provider of restaurant digital ordering platforms. The company name comes from “OnLine Ordering” and clients include well-known chains such as Chipotle, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Jamba Juice, and Baskin-Robbins. In 2006, Mr. Glass was named a Top Entrepreneur Under 25 by Businessweek, and Business Insider has recognized him on its Silicon Alley 100 list, calling him one of the “most inspiring and influential people in New York tech.”

The full bachelor’s and associate degree ceremonies are archived at LiveStream.com and can be viewed online. Due to its rolling enrollment schedule, the CIA’s New York campus holds 16 associate and three bachelor’s degree graduations each year.


Photo Captions and Hi-Res Images:

Photo 1 (top photo): CIA President Dr. Tim Ryan (speaking) proclaims Tony Simmons an ambassador of The Culinary Institute of America after the McIlhenny Co. president and CEO delivered the baccalaureate graduation address at the college’s New York campus on December 20, 2016. (Photo credits: CIA/Phil Mansfield)
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Photo 2: Restaurant industry technology entrepreneur Noah Glass speaks to associate degree graduates at The Culinary Institute of America’s New York campus on December 21, 2016. Glass is founder and CEO of the mobile ordering company Olo. (Photo credits: CIA/Phil Mansfield)
View hi-res image >


Media Contact:

Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu


Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers bachelor’s degree majors in management, culinary science, and applied food studies; associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; and executive education through its Food Business School. The college also offers certificate programs and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of 49,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food business. The CIA has campuses in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.

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