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San Antonio, TX – Drew Curren, chef and co-founder of the Austin-based ELM Restaurant Group, delivered the commencement address at the Texas campus of The Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio on December 19.

A 2005 honors graduate of the CIA’s Hyde Park, NY campus, Curren is the executive chef of his company’s six concepts in the Austin area.

“This industry is our passion and it is constantly changing,” Chef Curren told the newest graduates of his alma mater. “Your journey has just begun. Never quit learning, never take shortcuts, and always demand the best of yourself.”

A two-time nominee for Food & Wine magazine’s “People’s Best New Chef,” Curren competed on the Bravo series Top Chef: Texas in 2011.

The CIA San Antonio offers degrees in both Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts. Graduates can then transfer to the college’s New York campus to complete bachelor’s degrees in Food Business Management, Culinary Science, Applied Food Studies, or Hospitality Management.

Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image:

CIA alumnus Drew Curren ’05, co-founder of the Austin, TX-based ELM Restaurant Group, speaks to the graduating class of The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio on December 19, 2019. (Photo credit: Darren Abate/CIA)

Media Contact:

Jeff Levine
Communications Writer
845-451-1372
Jeff.Levine@culinary.edu

About The Culinary Institute of America:

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking & pastry arts, food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of more than 50,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.

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