It’s the icing on the cake! Sullivan graduate receives 2008 Pastry Chef of the Year Award

Vanessa Haden CPC, Baking & Pastry Arts graduate was recently named the 2008 Pastry Chef of the Year for the Southeast Region by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). She is a finalist for the National Pastry Chef of the Year award and will compete for this title at the ACF’s national convention in July, 2008.

“Being recognized and nominated by my fellow colleagues is a great honor,” stated Chef Haden. “Having a passion for my job is wonderful and the award is, I guess you could say, the icing on the cake!

From business to baking!
Vanessa discovered a love for baking and pastry when she worked in corporate America. “A rough day at the offi ce guaranteed the fl our, sugar and butter would come out when I got home,” Chef Haden recalled. “The trials of the day would fade away as the smells in the kitchen got stronger.” Consistent positive response from her coworkers, family and friends helped encourage her to a pastry career.

Enjoyed her student experience
Chef Haden toured Sullivan and was impressed with the reputation, program, facilities, faculty and the numerous opportunities available.

“I was able to gain a working knowledge of the science of baking, kitchen skills and organization, plus experience in the industry and confidence in my abilities. I was always so excited to get to school each day and see what was on the agenda,“ she said, adding “Not only did I get to learn via lectures and labs, I also had many opportunities to work in the industry. giving me invaluable insight into what was out there, my interests and a chance to network.”

Sullivan degree impacted career
“People seem to give me more credibility because of my degree. No wonder Jillian Kessler ‘07 strikes a jaunty pose. She won a silver medal at the Kitchen Contenders Mystery Box Challenge during the Catersource Conference held recently in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sullivan has a far-reaching reputation that has opened up many doors for me. Having a Sullivan Baking & Pastry degree has given me the confidence to pursue my desire to open my own business,” said Chef Haden.

She recently opened The Wedding Cake, and enjoys creating modern, classic, traditional, contemporary, whimsical, unique, custom wedding and specialty cakes. While most of her business comes from the Louisville area, she’s delivered a cake to Chicago and has received requests from as far away as North Carolina and Las Vegas.

Words of advice
“Current students: Take advantage of every opportunity,” she said. “Whether in the classroom, competing on the culinary team, helping with special functions or working in the industry – Learn from it all! Soak it up!”

Chef Haden also added to all prospective students, “Take a visit to Sullivan and see their impressive programs in action. If you have a desire to pursue a culinary or baking career, Sullivan will prepare you.“

Editor’s Note: For more information on The Wedding Cake, please visit theweddingcake.net