The definition of Perseverance is: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure or opposition. But there is also a visual definition…the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts graduates – over 2000 of them this past week to be exact!
Both 2020 and 2021 have proven to be a catalyst for perseverance in just about everything we’ve accomplished. But our Escoffier graduates defied odds and achieved their collective goal of completing their culinary education. Those who will join us during our next celebration will also have conquered feats that beat many down. Escoffier students learned that pushing forward and being the best they can be, allowed them to overcome the pandemic obstacle in order to realize their dreams. We are so very proud of this year’s graduates, who hail from all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Mexico, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates and range in age from 19 to 86. Yes, that’s right, an 86 year young Escoffier graduate.
This year’s commencement speaker was Elle Simone Scott, founder of She Chef, Inc., and Executive Editor and TV talent at America’s Test Kitchen. She inspired graduates with her personal career-changing journey and a special “recipe for resiliency”. Scott also noted how she followed her passion for food, travel and family, and encouraged students to never stop learning beyond graduation day.
“Dream big, believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to try, and learn from mistakes and failures,” she said. “Never stop learning and stay in the know; whether you’re practicing techniques, observing mentors, learning from peers or using other resources and networking, keep going,“ she added.
As this was our second virtual ceremony due to COVID precautions, our student graduate speakers recorded their heartfelt messages which were shared with each of their program graduates during our breakout ceremonies.
Austin Ceremony
Boulder Ceremony
Boulder Campus Ceremony
Boulder Online Pastry Ceremony
Boulder Online Culinary Ceremony
To enhance graduates’ virtual experience, everyone received a specially designed graduation celebration kit, which included an Escoffier medallion, lapel pin, chef toque, programs, and special recognition cords for honor students. All are also eligible to enroll in Escoffier’s active alumni group a free, exclusive life-long platform available to graduates to network, share advice, stories, and employment opportunities.