Kendall College is the Exclusive Culinary Education Sponsor of the 2016 James Beard Awards

CHICAGO, April 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kendall College is proud to announce a new collaboration with the James Beard Foundation (JBF) in which the school is the exclusive culinary education sponsor of the 2016 James Beard Awards, taking place in Chicago on May 2, 2016 at the Lyric Opera.  As Chicago's number one program for preparing students for careers in culinary arts and hospitality management (TNS Global Survey, 2013), Kendall is committed to fostering relationships between the culinary and hospitality industries and its current and future leaders.  

"It's an honor to partner with the James Beard Foundation in celebration of the men and women who have forged new paths and have made a difference within our industry," said Kim Shambrook, interim president of Kendall College. "For more than 30 years, Kendall has offered future chefs an education in the core culinary and business skills required for success in the restaurant industry, and many of our graduates have gone on to be recognized by the James Beard Awards."

"The James Beard Foundation is proud to partner with Kendall College as the exclusive culinary education sponsor for the 2016 Awards," said Foundation president Susan Ungaro. "Kendall alumni have gone on to do wonderful things within the industry, and we're grateful for their support both here at the Awards and year-round through various culinary educational programs and the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program."

In honor of its network of nearly 10,000 alumni, including seven past winners of the JBF Award and 14 semi-finalists, Kendall College will award a $7,500 scholarship through the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program to an eligible student seeking an associate degree in culinary arts.  In addition, more than 25 students and graduates of the culinary arts and hospitality management programs at Kendall will work as volunteers alongside top chefs and beverage professionals from across the country to prep and execute the gala reception.   

"Our curriculum is designed to help students enter, and one day, lead in the industry," said Christopher Koetke, vice president of the School of Culinary Arts at Kendall College. "At Kendall, we foster this education by incorporating a global mindset and practical experience into our practices and by providing access to a world-class food city like Chicago.  We are proud to see how the alignment of our mission with that of the James Beard Foundation is brought to life through this incredible volunteer opportunity in Chicago." 

Prior to the gala reception and announcement of the 2016 winners, Kendall College will welcome the Foundation's local host committee for an on-campus brunch, featuring a panel of 2016 JBF Award nominees as they discuss their path to success and nomination. The college's Michelin-recommended, open-to-the-public student-run restaurant, The Dining Room at Kendall College, will also participate in James Beard Eats Week in Chicago with a special menu that celebrates James Beard.  For more information about Kendall College, visit www.kendall.edu.

Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and further the Foundation's mission to celebrate, nurture and honor America's diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. For more information about the James Beard Foundation and its 2016 awards, visit www.jamesbeard.org.

About Kendall College:
Kendall College, founded in 1934 and located in Chicago, offers undergraduate degrees in culinary arts, hospitality management, business and early childhood education to a diverse and passionate community of more than 2,100 students each year. The curriculum combines strong academics with practical experience and international educational opportunities to give students in business, hospitality and culinary arts programs the skills and expertise to be leaders in their professions. Kendall College was ranked the No. 1 program in Chicago for preparing students for careers in hospitality management and culinary arts in a survey of hiring managers at Chicago's leading hotels and Michelin Guide restaurants (TNS Global - 2013 Survey). Kendall College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit www.Kendall.edu.

Kendall is part of the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 80 campus-based and online universities in 28 countries. For more information, visit www.laureate.net.

About The James Beard Foundation:

Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation celebrates, nurtures, and honors America's diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, the late James Beard was a champion of American cuisine. He helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts, instilling in them the value of wholesome, healthful, and delicious food. Today JBF continues in the same spirit by administering a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships for culinary students, publications, chef advocacy training, and thought leader convening. The Foundation also maintains the historic James Beard House in New York City's Greenwich Village as a "performance space" for visiting chefs. For more information, please visit jamesbeard.org. Get food news, recipes, and more at the James Beard Foundation's blog. Follow the James Beard Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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