LCI Alumni Success Stories

From the Military to a Michelin Star: Chris Mercante’s Alumni Spotlight
By Charlie Ruffolo December 20, 2024
2022 LCI graduate Chris Mercante has always had a passion for the culinary arts. Working in restaurants since he was 16 years old, pursuing a culinary education was never out of the question.
Tre Veillon LCI Alumni
By Charlie Ruffolo September 30, 2024
When you spend three years in Hawaii, you learn a lot about food; different types of food, different ways to prepare it, and more. This was the case for Tre Veillon, Louisiana Culinary Institute alumnus and Chef de Cuisine at The Gregory at the Watermark Hotel in Baton Rouge.
From Culinary Student to Culinary Teacher: Meet LCI Alum Katelyn Easlick
By Charlie Ruffolo June 27, 2024
South Louisiana native Katelyn Easlick has been surrounded by cooking her entire life. With such a strong influence and passion, it’s no surprise that she ended up at Louisiana Culinary Institute.
Adam Reeson LCI Alumni
By Charlie Ruffolo June 11, 2024
Adam Reeson has had a passion for the culinary arts, creating and cooking from the beginning. The lessons, skills, and relationships from his time as a student at LCI are as strong as ever, evoking a sense of nostalgia and fondness.
LCI Alumni Spotlight: Noah Ponjuan
By Charlie Ruffolo April 25, 2024
Noah is a sous chef at The Musket Room in NYC, an acclaimed Michelin Star restaurant, but his journey from the Red Stick to the Big Apple began long before he entered the doors of LCI.
LCI Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Williams
By Charlie Ruffolo January 13, 2023
Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. This is a commonly echoed philosophy and one that rings especially true for Brandon Williams. While other kids were outside running around and playing, Brandon would be watching “Great Chefs of America”.
LCI Alumni Spotlight: Nick Thibodeaux
By Charlie Ruffolo October 21, 2022
Nick began his career at LCI in the savory program before completing his hospitality management and baking and pastry degrees. For those considering a career in the culinary world, Chef Nick has some words of wisdom, “follow your passion, it’s that simple.”
Alumni Spotlight: LCI's Alum Chef Ciara Finley
By Charlie Ruffolo February 11, 2021
Learn more about LCI alumna Ciara Finley and what she has been up to since graduating from culinary school.
Louisiana Culinary Institute Alumni Spotlight: Chef John Reason
By Charlie Ruffolo December 2, 2020
Chef John Reason, is currently a commercial fisherman and chef in Baton Rouge Louisiana. He served 16 years active duty in the United States Army and medically retired due to injuries sustained from combat in Iraq. But that does not keep him down or discouraged one bit.
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