As the famous Kentucky Derby celebrates its 150th running on May 4, students and staff from Pennsylvania College of Technology will be in action, serving gourmet meals to VIP spectators.
Twenty-six Penn College students were selected for Derby Week internships after on-campus interviews conducted by staff at Levy Restaurant, which operates food services at Churchill Downs (home of the Kentucky Derby).
“The student derby internship experience cannot be replicated at Penn College.” “It's a great experience,” said Chef Charles R. Niedermayer, a baking and pastry arts/culinary arts instructor who has escorted Penn College students to the Kentucky Derby for 15 years. Overall, the university has been participating since his 1993. “All of our students will be professionally challenged and grow greatly at Churchill Downs. The excitement, surprise, and satisfaction that comes from a job well done keeps them coming back year after year.”
Most of the students major in baking and cooking. “Behind the house” – In the kitchen – Four students majoring in business administration will be in charge of cooking. “In front of the house” Interacting with guests.
“The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest events we can participate in on campus.” said Autumn B. Stanley of Lincoln University, a baking and pastry arts student at Penn College. She plans to return for her second Derby Week internship. “It gives us connections and experiences that we don't get anywhere else. I mean, who can say they've been to the Kentucky Derby?”
Baking and Culinary Arts students help prepare food at Churchill Downs' exclusive venue and staff the main kitchen, where literally tons of ingredients are handed over to the Derby, which attracts more than 150,000 guests each year. (That's more than double the number of people who attend the Super Bowl.) They also cook for guests throughout the week of the event leading up to the grand finale race.
And Churchill Downs will make this iconic occasion even grander as it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024. “Run for roses.” The longest continuously running sporting event in the United States and one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, the Kentucky Derby was founded by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. when he founded the Louisville Jockey Club and owned the Jockey Club's land. It has been held since 1875, the year after it was acquired. Songs from my uncles John Churchill and Henry Churchill.
To commemorate this, Downs is debuting a re-imagined “paddock.” The new venue includes the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club, with access to the paddock and direct view of the horse stalls.sports illustrated “Club SI” Providing a luxurious dining experience and celebrities “Ambassador”; and Spiers Terrace & Suites. “Seeing and being seen” Luxury all-inclusive food and drink menu.
The students will be accompanied by Mr. Niedermayer. Chef Mike S. Dinan is the executive chef of Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, the university's live learning lab for baking and culinary students. Brian D. Walton, Deputy Director of Business and Hospitality;
List of students who completed Derby Week internships by major:
baking & pastry art
Lily J. Clickner of St. Petersburg; Emma E. Del Campo, of Westchester; Madisen H. Donlin of Branchdale; Felicia D. Doney of Shippensburg; Alexis N. Dern of Spring Mills; Kendall L. Johnson, of Scranton; Sarah M. Klein, of Montoursville; Emily E. Myers, of Catawissa; Amanda E. Pennington of Warnersville; Janita J. Pierre, of McConnellsburg; Samuelia R. Robertson, of York; Abigail G. Sollenberger of Newville; Autumn B. Stanley, Lincoln University. Luke C. Whipple of Shamokindam. and Mrs. Cassandria B. Williams of Cressona.
Dern, Johnson, Klein, Pennington, Pierre and Sollenberger are also pursuing a bachelor's degree in applied business administration. Whipple is double majoring in baking and pastry arts and culinary arts techniques.
business administration
Kylie P. Albert of Boyertown; Lauren A. Hergert, of Brookville; Anna R. Lundin of Kersey; and Jajuan J. Ramirez of Kennett Square.
cooking techniques
Nathan A. Fleegle, State University; Maggy R. Langendoerfer of Waymart; Hannah K. Lingle, of Lock Haven; Mr. Nicholas P. Matz of Schuylkill Haven; Jared D. Schwenk of New Ringgold; Madison H. Smith, of York; and Kayla M. Wilson of Williamsport.
Smith and Wilson are also pursuing a bachelor's degree in applied business administration.
For more information about Penn College's Business and Hospitality major, call 570-327-4505.
