It’s easy for school administrators, business leaders and elected officials to talk about
the impact of a culinary arts project. When an internationally acclaimed chef does it, you
know you’ve got something special.
Such was the case last week on the campus of the County College of Morris in
Randolph.
David Burke gave the keynote address during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the
opening Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science building.
The CECS will serve as the home of the Culinary and Hospitality Arts Institute of New
Jersey, which is dedicated to preparing executive chefs, and hospitality leaders to meet
the growing industry demand across the region.
Students will learn in a state-of-the-art baking kitchen, designed to reflect today’s
professional culinary environments, gaining hands-on experience with industry-grade
equipment.
Burke said he was glad to see that New Jersey is taking the culinary arts seriously,
saying programs such as this will expand the offerings of world-class meals.
“This (Center) is going to be a wonderful addition to feeding restaurants with young
talent,” he said.
The CHAI-NJ aims to combine culinary expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset,
preparing students for successful careers.
CCM officials say it is another example of how the County College of Morris not only is
building the next generation of workers and entrepreneurs but doing it in conjunction
with the business community and the Morris County Chamber.
The CECS will offer new and expanded programs in business and culinary science,
creating pathways for entrepreneurs and community members who are seeking to launch or strengthen their business while supporting economic growth across Morris
County and beyond.
CCM President Tony Iacono said the potential impact of the building to foster
entrepreneurship and economic growth across the region is huge.
“Students at CCM don’t just receive an extraordinary education, they gain real insight
from world-class leaders working in their fields,” he said. “That kind of experience
prepares them for opportunity and helps ensure our workforce remains strong and
competitive. By connecting CCM with industry, we are strengthening the region’s
entrepreneurial landscape and driving sustainable economic development in Morris
County.”
The Center for Entrepreneurship is designed to support innovators, founders and
business creators at every stage of development.
Through certificates, associate degree programs and non-credit workforce training,
CCM is building a dynamic ecosystem that fosters targeted skill development, flexible
academic pathways and hands-on entrepreneurial learning. Entrepreneurs will have
access to practical business tools, mentorship, industry expertise and talent
development resources to help guide ventures from idea validation through launch and
growth.
Building on this initiative, CCM is also expanding community partnerships and
entrepreneur-focused programming. In collaboration with the Morris County Chamber of
Commerce, the college is developing a business-focused speaker series to connect
entrepreneurs with industry leaders, founders and subject-matter experts, providing
access to insights, mentorship and business resources.
Morris County Chamber CEO Meghan Hunscher couldn’t be happier.
“This new space represents opportunity and provides space for collaboration, it’s vital to
the future of our county and regional economy,” she said.
Aaron Fichtner, president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, agreed.
“Innovations like the one we celebrate here today, are why New Jersey’s community
colleges are having a $12.8 million impact on that state’s economy,” he said.
“Community colleges support 135,000 jobs across the state because of the investments
that are made in the system.”
The investment already is beginning.
The event also celebrated a generous gift from former CCM Board of Trustees
Chairperson and CCM Foundation member Tom Pepe and his wife, Donna Pepe, the
board’s current treasurer.
In recognition of their generosity and longstanding support of the college, CCM unveiled
the Tom & Donna Pepe Pavilion, a new, large event space within the CECS.
State Sen. Anthony Bucco (R-Denville) said the event was symbolic of the mission.
“Good things are always happening at CCM,” he said. “The opportunities that students
have here at County College of Morris, are ones they often don’t get at four-year
universities … to launch into career paths. That’s what it’s all about.”
