TJC, Tyler ISD students prepare dinner for Iron Chef

The University of Texas at Tyler partnered with Tyler Junior College and Tyler Independent School District to showcase the culinary talents of students who catered a dinner for the Food Network Iron Chef and host Alex Guarnaschelli.

Guarnaschelli opened the UT Tyler 43rd Annual Distinguished Lecture series, and the students and chef instructors of the TJC and Tyler ISD culinary arts programs prepared the meal for a pre-show dinner.

“We are always looking for opportunities to partner with these two fantastic institutions,” said Julie V. Philley, MD, UT Tyler president. “We share a common passion, the students, and this was a great way to display their incredible talent while also reminding the community of the extraordinary educational offerings available at TJC and Tyler ISD.”

Thirty students of the TJC Culinary Arts program prepared and served dinner for 60 VIP guests, including Guarnaschelli, at the UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center prior to Guarnaschelli’s lecture.

“Dr. Julie Philley and her team created a most amazing experience by including students from the Culinary Arts programs from Tyler Junior College and the Tyler Independent School District throughout the event,” Juan Mejia, TJC president, said. “The entire program was exceptional and clearly messages the authentic partnership between our institutions, with a laser focus on providing exceptional wins for our communities.”

The students spent two days preparing salads and entrees in their learning lab on the TJC central campus. Following the dinner, the students were invited to attend the lecture.

Tyler ISD students of the Career and Technology Center Culinary Arts program prepared the dessert. 

“At Tyler ISD, we are immensely proud of the collaboration showcased here,” Dr. Marty Crawford, Tyler ISD superintendent, said. “Dr. Julie Philley and UT Tyler’s dedication to fostering real-world learning experiences for our students exemplifies the very essence of partnership. Events like these not only strengthen the bond between Tyler ISD, UT Tyler and Tyler Junior College, but also ignite passion, skill and confidence in our students, preparing them for impactful futures in our community and beyond.”

The Guarnaschelli lecture was sponsored by Drs. Lawrence L. Anderson and Svetislava J. Vukelja, and the dinner was made possible by an anonymous donor. Kiepersol Estates, ETX Brewing Company and True Vine Brewing Company provided beverages.

SOURCE University of Texas at Tyler