You’ve heard the phrase ‘too many cooks in the kitchen’? Well, for one day next month, the more cooks, the better.

On Tue., Nov. 7, the College’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts will host its first Homecoming Dinner for graduates of the Culinary Arts, Professional Baking and Patisserie, and Hospitality and Tourism Management programs.

The event will celebrate the achievements of the school’s alumni, while raising money for the Student Travel Opportunity Fund, which helps Baking and Culinary Arts students compete in national and international competitions, and provides Hospitality and Tourism Management students with opportunities to enhance their skills through travel.

Recently, the Fund allowed two Baking students to attend a four-week-long course in Germany, and six Culinary Arts students to participate in the Cook the Books competition in Toronto.

“Participating in competitions motivates students to strengthen their technical skills, learn new techniques and practice at elevated skill levels,” says Karen McDonald, Chair of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at RRC.

“Our programs are strengthened when students can participate in high-level competitions, and bring back new skills they’re eager to share in the culinary labs. Similarly, students in Hospitality and Tourism programs benefit from educational travel by experiencing local cultures.”



As is evident on any number of travel-based TV shows, visiting a new country or region provides opportunities to develop deeper inter-cultural understanding, “which is essential to global citizenship and for individuals working in hospitality and tourism to be able to provide the best possible customer service,” says Tourism instructor Laura Wiebe.

“Travel in general opens one’s eyes to life beyond your personal experience. It’s our intention to provide those awe-inspiring opportunities for students that are simply beyond the classroom

The Homecoming dinner will include an eight-course meal prepared by students and alumni chefs. Tickets are available online.

While the primary aim of the event is to celebrate the achievements of grads, organizers are also seeking new and gently used cookbooks to sell at the event, in order to replenish the Student Travel Opportunity Fund.

“There’s something satisfying about flipping the pages of a cookbook,” says Cassandra Watson, Hospitality instructor and Homecoming Dinner co-chair. “Cookbooks tell stories through their photographs, and how the recipes are organized to complement each other. Not only is the fundraiser a good cause, I’m confident our attendees will sincerely appreciate the inspiration.”

Cookbooks can be dropped off at the Security desk (Main Street entrance) of the Paterson GlobalFoods Institute, 504 Main St., from 7am to 9pm, Monday to Friday until Nov. 3.