Media Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu
Hyde Park, NY 鈥 Jack
Crawford, chairman of the National Restaurant Association, delivered the
baccalaureate commencement address at The
Culinary Institute of America鈥檚 New York campus on April 16. In addition to
his leadership role with the National Restaurant Association, Mr. Crawford is
president and CEO of Ground Round Independent Owners Cooperative, overseeing
management of the Ground Round restaurant chain.
Crawford became chairman of the National Restaurant
Association in January 2015, after having served on its board since 2003. He
spoke to 69 recipients of bachelor鈥檚 degrees in management and culinary science.
The entire graduation ceremony can be .
Photo Caption
Jack Crawford, chairman of the National Restaurant Association, delivers the baccalaureate commencement address at The Culinary Institute of America on April 16. (Photo credit: Al Nowak/CIA)
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent,
not-for-profit college offering associate degrees in culinary arts and baking
and pastry arts and bachelor's degree majors in management, culinary science,
and applied food studies, as well as certificates in culinary arts 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 48,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Roy
Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, 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 New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.
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