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.

"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," says 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," says 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