Week of Celebrations Culminates in Inauguration of Sixth President in College鈥檚 78-year History
Hyde Park, NY, October 29, 2024 鈥� On October 17, Michiel Bakker was installed as the 鈥檚 (CIA) sixth president. He succeeds Dr. Tim Ryan, who held the position for 23 years. Bakker brings nearly three decades of transformative impact in the food and hospitality industries, notably holding leadership roles at Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and Google. He is also a member of the James Beard Foundation鈥檚 Board of Trustees and serves on advisory councils for the EAT Forum and World Food Programme鈥檚 Innovation Accelerator. Bakker鈥檚 inauguration was the first in the college鈥檚 78-year history.
In his inauguration speech, Bakker shared the early seeds of Vision 2035, his 10-year plan for galvanizing CIA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry partners to shape the Institute鈥檚 future.
鈥淏ecoming the sixth president of this extraordinary Institute is more than just a career milestone for me,鈥� Bakker said. 鈥淚t is a testament to the many experiences that have shaped me, and a unique opportunity to give back and pay it forward to an industry I hold dear. It is deeply energizing to be part of a community that is shaping the future, one student at a time.鈥�
A number of celebrations took place during the week leading up to Bakker鈥檚 inauguration. These included the college鈥檚 annual Alumni Weekend and , in which 674 students competed to win scholarships totaling $72,500.
Other events included a presentation to CIA students and alumni by 鈥檚 Sara Roversi and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their presentation: Back to Roots: a Taste of Heritage for a Healthier Future complemented Bakker鈥檚 and CIA鈥檚 commitments to sustainability and health and wellness.
In addition, symbolic of the opening of the door to a new era, CIA鈥檚 two new entrance gates were named in honor of the generous benefactors whose leadership gifts made them possible: the and renowned , both longtime supporters of CIA. Two other facilities, the John C. Metz, Sr. Family Courtyard, named for the family of CIA鈥檚 board chair emeriti John C. Metz, Jr., and the Tim Ryan Student Commons, named for CIA鈥檚 longest-serving president, and first chancellor, were dedicated in separate ceremonies.
Photo Caption:
Michiel Bakker was inaugurated as the sixth president in the 78-year history of the Culinary Institute of America during a ceremony held at the Marriott Pavilion in Hyde Park, NY. (Photo credit: Phil Mansfield/CIA)
Media Contact:
Amanda Secor
Associate Director鈥擨ndustry Marketing and Communications
845-451-1457
[email protected]
About the Culinary Institute of America:
Founded in 1946, the Culinary Institute of America is the world鈥檚 premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers master鈥檚, bachelor鈥檚, and associate degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of more than 50,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.
# # #