CIA Graduate of Legendary Lineage Delivers Commencement Address at his Alma Mater

Hyde Park, NY, December 27, 2011 – Jerome Bocuse, a 1992 graduate of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and son of legendary French chef Paul Bocuse, returned to his alma mater on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 to deliver the commencement address to recipients of associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts.

Bocuse is president of JBI, LLC, a company that operates three restaurants and two specialty food carts at Walt Disney World's EPCOT® in Orlando, FL. He is also vice president of the Bocuse d'Or USA Foundation, which selects and supports the American candidate who competes in the international Bocuse d'Or competition—founded by his father and held every two years in Lyon, France.

Bocuse shared memories of his studies at the CIA with 49 newly minted fellow graduates. Recalling his time in Seafood class, still taught by the same chef, evoked knowing chuckles from those with the shared experience. "It was like the military: precise, efficient, and professional. But sometimes the toughest classes are the ones that give you the best memories," he said.

As the world's best known chef at the time, Paul Bocuse could have sent his son to study at a school anywhere in the world or apprentice under a European master chef. But a 1989 visit to the CIA showed him the college was the place for Jerome to learn what he needed to be successful. "I had seen many culinary schools in the United States. I knew right away this was in a whole different league," Paul Bocuse said earlier this year when he was honored by the CIA as the Chef of the Century. At the same event, Jerome was named Alumnus of the Year.

In late January, the Bocuse d'Or USA finals will be held at the CIA's Hyde Park, NY campus. And, promised Jerome Bocuse, "You will see an American chef on the podium (as the winner) in Lyon very soon."

Photo Caption:

Jerome Bocuse '92 delivers the commencement address at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY on December 21, 2011. (Photo credit: CIA/Keith Ferris)

Media Contact:

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

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