ARAMARK and The Culinary Institute of America Announce ProChef Certification Graduates

PHILADELPHIA, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ARAMARK, a world leader in providing professional services, and The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world's premier culinary college, are proud to announce the graduation of 23 ARAMARK Higher Education chefs and 17 Sports and Entertainment chefs from the prestigious ProChef Certification program. These chefs, serving colleges, universities, conference centers and preparatory schools as well as stadiums, arenas and entertainment venues across the country, join more than 70 certified chefs from ARAMARK's Higher Education business and 85 certified chefs from ARAMARK's Sports and Entertainment business, which first enrolled in the CIA's ProChef program in 2008.

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"We are so pleased that our partnership with ARAMARK continues to grow," said Brad Barnes, senior director of continuing education at The Culinary Institute of America. "The ProChef Certification process provides these already creative chefs with the additional skills, training and tools needed to excel in their careers." 

The CIA ProChef Certification program is a comprehensive professional development and culinary skills verification program which measures core culinary, managerial and financial acumen, including a chef's skill in taste, proper cooking methods, authenticity, plating, use of all ingredients, hygiene and disposal of food waste. 

"We are extremely proud of the chefs who worked so hard to achieve ProChef Certification and congratulate them on this outstanding accomplishment," said Chris Hackem, President, ARAMARK Higher Education. "ARAMARK's partnership with the CIA provides our chefs with the opportunity to hone their skills and culinary creativity, as well as to enhance the dining experience for our clients and customers."

"The CIA ProChef Certification program is a demanding challenge that requires preparation, practice, and perseverance, and we are very proud of our chefs who have completed it," said Marc Bruno, President, ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment. "Achieving this significant milestone will ensure ARAMARK continues to deliver world class experiences at sports facilities, convention centers and entertainment venues in North America."

The CIA ProChef Certification program, which recognizes proficiency in culinary arts, personnel management, and financial administration, consists of three levels of training with ProChef III being the highest, most prestigious designation. The following ARAMARK Higher Education and Sports and Entertainment chefs received their ProChef I, ProChef II and ProChef III Certification:

ProChef I:
Higher Education Graduates

• Kyle Wiens, California State  University-East Bay
• Dan Mullins, Pacific University
• Ann Kozina, Fluno Center for Executive Education at University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Casaundra White, Ross Center at University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
• Christian Drouin, University of Florida
• Anthony Gamino, Baylor University
• Jim Bell, Southwestern Assemblies of God University
• John Mann, Louisiana Tech University

Sports and Entertainment Graduates

• Craig McAlister, Cedar Park Center
• Raymond Dominguez, Coors Field
• Samuel Beale, Columbus, GA Convention Center
• Michael Husney, Quicken Loans Arena
• Johnny Mulcahy, Fenway Park
• Eladio Ruiz, Angels Stadium
• Ronnie Simon, Cashman Field Complex

ProChef II:
Higher Education Graduates

• Swen Altis, High Point University
• Joe Bruno, Southeastern Louisiana State
• Andrew Lucyshyn, Arizona State University
• Edgar Portillo, Marymount Manhattan College
• Nick Thompson, James L. Allen Center, Northwestern University 
• Juan Vasquez, University of California- Irvine
• James Vetter, James Madison University
• Stephen Winterling, Georgetown University
• Greg Schaub, Southeast Region, District Chef

Sports and Entertainment Graduates

• Dominic Soucie, George R. Brown Convention Center
• Cliff Johnson, Minute Maid Park
• Eric Wallace, CONSOL Energy Center
• Rich Montini, PNC Park
• Todd Lyons, Citizens Bank Park
• Julio Rodriguez, Citi Field
• Mark Hoffman, Pennsylvania Convention Center
• Michael Kain, Reilant Center
• Peter DeCarl, Jobing.com Arena
• Les Heydenerich, Phoenix Convention Center

ProChef III:
Higher Education Graduates

• Mark Benanchietti, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Paul Calice,  University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
• Michael Gueiss, Johns Hopkins University
• Bryan Kelly, University of Virginia
• Jeff Lin, Villanova University Conference Center
• Matt Thompson, Brandeis University

About The Culinary Institute of America

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts as well as certificate programs in culinary arts and professional wine studies. As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA has a network of more than 40,000 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 and certificate programs, the CIA offers courses for professionals and food enthusiasts. For more information, and a complete listing of program offerings at each site, visit the CIA online at www.ciachef.edu.

About ARAMARK Higher Education

ARAMARK Higher Education is dedicated to excellence in dining, facility, conference center, and stadium and arena services. ARAMARK enhances the living and learning experience and environment for more than 600 colleges and universities throughout North America.  For more information and a list of our services, visit www.aramarkhighered.com.

About ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment

ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment creates remarkable experiences for guests at more than 150  premier sports facilities, convention centers and entertainment venues throughout North America.  With industry-leading insight, ARAMARK designs innovative hospitality, dining and catering, retail merchandise, and facility service programs that deliver valuable business results.  Learn more at www.aramarksports.com.

About ARAMARK

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is recognized as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by the Ethisphere Institute, as the industry leader in FORTUNE magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies," and as one of America's Largest Private Companies by both FORTUNE and Forbes magazines. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 250,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com, or www.twitter.com/aramarknews.

SOURCE ARAMARK