Grand opening of new Loyalist College culinary lab showcases training and innovation

Belleville, ON, March 16, 2023 – This week, Loyalist College cut the ribbon on a new state-of-the-art culinary lab at its Belleville campus. On March 14, students, staff and community partners gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated facilities where Loyalist Culinary program students refine their baking skills alongside experienced faculty, expert researchers and industry professionals.

The event began with opening remarks from President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick before guests toured the lab and enjoyed a sampling of the fresh bread, premium pastries and hors d’oeuvres produced by students in the new space.

“We’re proud to invite our community on campus to meet our students and experience the results of Loyalist’s capital renovations first-hand,” said Mark Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of Loyalist College. “Loyalist’s industry-grade equipment, expert faculty and hands-on learning environments provide students with world-class training in culinary management. With visits from chefs and field trips to local farms, wineries and restaurants, Loyalist prides itself on connecting our community of learners with thriving local food and beverage businesses so they can see regional opportunities and career pathways in action.”

Culinary students Mercy Tuga and Chavis Maracle spoke to guests about their experiences in the program.

“I call this new lab our centre of excellence,” said Mercy. “I come from Nigeria, where I have a cake-baking, training and events management business. I left all that behind to come and learn here at Loyalist College, and in every way, Loyalist and the Culinary program have exceeded my expectations.”

Researchers from Loyalist’s Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis were on-hand at the event to run beverage-analysis demonstrations for guests, part of the ongoing collaboration between Loyalist’s Culinary program and the College’s applied research activities.

“The Bay of Quinte supports a wide range of businesses that operate at the intersection of agriculture, hospitality and cuisine – from local vineyards stocking the LCBO shelves to restaurants serving gourmet farm-to-table fare,” continued President Kirkpatrick. “This event was the perfect opportunity to share the College’s vision of support for local innovation, which leverages Loyalist’s research expertise and educational programming. With the right combination of support, talent and collaboration, the possibilities for this region are limitless.”

About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $398.9 million annually to the regional economy – based on a November 2022 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

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Contact:
Hannah Brown
Acting Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com