The Culinary Arts Department of South Texas College will hold an Open House on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Building H at the Pecan Campus located in McAllen. The event will provide an opportunity for interested students to meet with instructors and talk in-depth about course work, time commitments, job opportunities, campus support systems and respond to any other questions. Tours of the college's professional culinary facilities will also be given.

"There are so many exciting and interesting opportunities in the culinary field and earning a certificate or degree from our program can open many doors to being a sous chef, head chef or restaurant manager," said John Schmucker, Chair of the Culinary Arts Program for STC. "Imagine, in just one year, you can be cooking in a professional kitchen, helping to create masterpieces to awaken the taste buds of your diners! Getting paid to cook is such a pleasure and I hope that people from across the Valley will take this chance to come in and learn about what our program offers and see our facilities first hand."

STC offers a one year certificate in Commercial Cooking which can be completed in 23 course credit hours. The college also offers an Associate's of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts, which can be completed in 65 course credit hours. Students in either degree plan will take courses in sanitation and safety, basic food preparation, fundamentals of baking, nutrition and diet therapy, catering, international cuisine and principles of food and beverage controls. Students working towards an associate's degree in culinary arts will also having the option of taking advanced courses in pastry preparation, human resources management, microbiology for food service, small business management and a variety of other courses.

For additional information about the event, please call 956-872-3514 or to learn more about STC's Culinary Arts Program, please visit http://www.southtexascollege.edu/culinary/.

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