Monday, June 4, 2007

Lunch Notes from President Pry


Shannon Hall Opening Soon!

The new housing facilities will be opening soon with Shannon Hall, just a few blocks away being the first to open its doors on July 1 of this year. It can house 637 students and has an 11,000 square foot area that is being considered for use for club meetings, project areas and things of that nature. Look for some retailers to come in to provide snack bar type services. Following this opening will be Miller Hall which will house 90 students and by August 1, the last to open will be the former Standard Life building which will house 144 students. On a side note, PNC has designed a beautiful park area between our school and Shannon Hall. It was built for the purpose of providing a quiet, serene place for all to enjoy. People working in the city currently use this park for a peaceful lunch setting or quite break Please keep this in mind if you go there. We want to be good neighbors!

New Computers!

In the works, 6 computer labs are being replaced with new MAC platform computers. This will be a welcome update for all students as we all live and breathe via computers these days.

New Associates Degree Coming!

Some interesting upcoming curriculum additions, one is not directly culinary related but still worthy of knowing about, it is the addition of a 2 years Associates Degree in Kitchen and Bath design. As those who have taken Facilities and Design class can attest, kitchen design is a critical aspect in the success of any restaurant. If any of you have ever worked in a poorly laid out kitchen, you know what I mean! Just think of how valuable it would be for you to know and perhaps work with some of the students majoring in kitchen design! A great partnership between the 2 departments will surely benefit all.

The other curriculum addition is definitely culinary related and definitely one to be excited about! It is the 2 year Associates Degree in Baking and Pastry. The curriculum will be presented to the State for approval in the next few weeks with anticipated dates for approval coming back within 90 to 120 days. If approved, the estimated time frame for this degree to be offered would be sometime before the school’s fiscal year end of June 30, 2008.

A Wine and Beverage Management degree is currently in the discussion phase which would be an exciting addition to our curriculum.

No comments: