Lake Superior State to offer culinary arts certificate

SAULT STE. MARIE -- Lake Superior State University is teaming up with the Les Cheneaux Culinary School to deliver a culinary arts certificate beginning in September.

The certificate will offer students a focused, one-year training and internship experience to learn the art of cooking under the auspices of master chefs. It also combines instruction in chef, kitchen, and restaurant management, along with specialized studies in canning and fermentation.

All are welcome to attend an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, May 10, at Les Cheneaux Culinary School in Hessel to learn more about the program and enjoy a delicious meal. Register online at LSSU.edu/culinary. 

"The importance of programs like this culinary arts certificate cannot be overstated in the university's strategic direction," said LSSU President Rodney Hanley. "Adding technical and skills-based program options appeal to a wider student demographic range." 

LSSU joins the Hessel-based school, which was started in 2014 and features a 5,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art kitchen. The on-site restaurant can accommodate 80-plus guests, and is open mid-May through early September.

The entire menu is drawn up and prepared fresh daily as part of the training. The school lives by an industry trend towards farm-to-table and sustainability that seeks locally-sourced food. 

"My favorite part of the program is the freedom to become creative, experimenting with more flavors and products than you could imagine," said Matthew Nelson, Les Cheneaux Culinary School alum, and executive chef at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island. "The ability to make everything from scratch is absolutely, hands down, the best method of culinary training you can possibly have." 

The One-Rate at Lake State tuition makes this an affordable educational option for everyone, and financial aid may be available. LSSU will also offer room and board on its main campus. Coast Guard personnel and their dependents are eligible for tuition savings, thanks to a standing agreement between Sector Sault Ste. Marie and Lake State. 

The culinary program joins other certificate programs created in E-Marketing, International Business, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Certificates are specifically tailored for working adults as well as LSSU students regardless of major. They are a quick way to expand skill sets and marketability. Visit LSSU.edu/culinary to read even more about the new culinary arts certificate. 

Lake Superior State University is Michigan's most affordable public university with One-Rate at Lake State tuition for all. Surrounded by three Great Lakes, LSSU is an attractive location for research, focusing on real-world experiences. 

Well known for programs such as fisheries and wildlife management, engineering, nursing, criminal justice, and fire science, Lake State is also leading the way with innovative new programs, including cannabis chemistry and cannabis business. For more information, visit LSSU.edu.