Students Cook Up a Masterpiece at ’08 President’s Scholarship Ball

 

GUESTS SHOWERED UVU CULINARY ARTS STUDENTS WITH PRAISE FOR THE EXCELLENT FARE THEY PREPARED FOR THE 2008 PRESI- DENT’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL.

During the 2008 President’s Scholarship Ball, UVU students’ talents were on full display. The entire culinary arts program — roughly 90 students — prepared the meal for 550 guests, which spanned everything from hors d’oeuvres to dessert. Scores of students from other campus organizations assisted with considerations ranging from setup to serving to valet parking.

“Everyone’s always really amazed at how much work, planning and detail go into an event like this,” said Cody Thatcher, catering manager for UVU’s Culinary Arts Institute, which won its first gold medal in the state hot foods competition in November 2008.

As guests arrived at the annual fall fundraiser, they were treated to an elegant atmosphere and an array of appetizers prepared by students and presented on 11 tables. !roughout the program,students not only prepared and served the multi-course gourmet meal, but they also provided the entertainment, courtesy of UVU’s ballroom dance team and symphony band.

!e ball, now in its 18th year, is a unique opportunity for community members to share an evening of topshelf food and entertainment while supporting UVU’s scholarship efforts. And because so many students are involved in making the evening memorable, attendees immediately see how their contributions benefit students and the communities they serve.

"We’re engaged every day," said Chef Troy Wilson, who added that culinary arts students typically cater two events per week, ranging from a dozen attendees to more than 1,200. “The only reason we can pull off the ball is because of these students.”

Student contributions during the Scholarship Ball highlighted an evening dedicated to the best in student performance. Not only did the event raise money for student scholarships, but it also marked a major gift facilitated by local music store owner Skip Daynes, who brokered a generous donation of four Steinway pianos. !e instruments were greatly appreciated by UVU’s Department of Music.

Local football legend Chad Lewis was the master of ceremonies at the event. An Orem native, Lewis took classes at UVU before playing tight end for BYU and then professionally for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams.

< Previous Article | Next Article>