ARAMARK and The Culinary Institute of America Celebrate 100th Higher Education ProChef Graduate

PHILADELPHIA, June 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ARAMARK, a world leader in providing professional services, and The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world's premier culinary college, are pleased to announce the graduation of the 100th ARAMARK Higher Education chef from the college's prestigious ProChef Certification program. Serving colleges, universities, conference centers and preparatory schools throughout the nation, the specially trained 100 Higher Education chefs join the ranks of more than 85 certified chefs from ARAMARK's Sports and Entertainment business, which first enrolled in the CIA's ProChef program in 2008.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110907/PH63208LOGO )

"We are proud to recognize the 100th ProChef graduate and congratulate each of the ARAMARK Higher Education chefs who have participated in this program for their hard work and continued dedication to excellence," said Chris Hackem, President, ARAMARK Higher Education. "ARAMARK's partnership with the CIA provides opportunities for our talented chefs to excel while ensuring an exceptional culinary experience for their students, customers and clients." 

A rigorous and comprehensive professional development and culinary skills verification program, the CIA's ProChef Certification measures a variety of 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 pleased to join ARAMARK in celebrating this special milestone as we work together to support the continued growth of the program among its Higher Education chefs," 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 following ARAMARK Higher Education chefs recently received their ProChef I and ProChef II Certification:

ProChef I:

• Jason Daniel, Clemson University
• Luke Landmesser, Steinberg Conference Center, The University of Pennsylvania
• Jeremy Reimer, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Doug Schmoyer, Campbell University
• Christian Thormose, Clemson University
• Sarah Waycott, University of Southern Maine at Portland
• Peter Daigle, Loomis Chaffee
• Larry Junk, Loras College
• Jesse Reeves, Bloomsburg University
• Brandon Rudisill, James Madison University
• Kelly Vanconnett, Saginaw Valley State University
• Nick Willemson, University of Rochester

ProChef II:

• Greg Colline, University of Minnesota
• Tim Fox, The Cate School at Santa Barbara
• Nick Vidovic, John Carroll University
• Roberto Villagomez, University Center of Chicago
• Antonio Pignagrande, University of Rochester
• David Seaton, LaSalle University
• Joshua Bonds, Corbin University
• Michelle Boyle, Meredith College
• Phillipe Didier, Boise State University
• Jerry Reveron, The Taft School
• Stacy Wiroll, University of Minnesota

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, Latin cuisines, 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 44,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Roy Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Johnny Iuzzini, 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. For more information, visit 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

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, one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" by FORTUNE magazine and 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 www.twitter.com/aramarknews.

SOURCE ARAMARK