STAR JOURNAL

Anyone who loves creating culinary delights is invited to learn how to turn that passion into a career at the Culinary Arts open house at Nicolet College Thursday, Feb. 6.

The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Northwoods Center on the Rhinelander Campus.

Nicolet’s Culinary Arts program offers nine different academic credentials, ranging from short-term certificates to a pair of two-year associate’s degrees, one that focuses on food preparation and the second on the management side of the house.

In addition, Nicolet features several credit transfer agreements with four-year campuses for graduates to earn their bachelor’s degrees, including one with the University of Wisconsin-Stout that can be completed without leaving the Northwoods.

During the open house students will have the opportunity to tour the college’s state-of-the-art kitchen, experience different cooking demonstrations, and meet with current students and instructors to learn about the many different classes and future job opportunities.

Nicolet’s Culinary Arts program is structured with students first earning short-term certificates. These then serve as stepping stones to the one-year technical diploma and then one or both of the two-year associate’s degrees.

Oftentimes, students will use the certificates to land an entry-level job in the field and continue taking classes to learn the skills for more advanced positions.

“This way students can earn money, gain experience, and also earn the college credentials that will move them farther ahead in their careers,” said Nicolet Culinary Arts Instructor Vicki Mendham.

Students in their second year of an associate’s degree program also participate in the Top of the Hill lunch series, where each student is in charge of all aspects of at least one lunch menu. These are commonly elaborate, themed buffets with multiple courses that showcase students’ best talents.

Nicolet is located one mile south of Rhinelander just off of Hwy. G.

Those planning on attending are asked to RSVP at nicoletcollege.edu/visit or call (715) 365-4451, 1-800-544-3039, ext. 4451; TTY 1-800-947-3529 or 711 relay.