Five Ivy Tech Indianapolis culinary students had the fantastic opportunity of serving as sous chefs in the Indiana Health Care Association's (IHCA) Culinary Caregiver Competition on August 1. The inaugural event offered a unique platform for these aspiring chefs to hone their skills alongside seasoned professionals.
The competition, which took place at the Conference Center and Culinary Institute, was a creative and high-stakes affair, with each team tasked with creating an innovative and delicious meal under a tight deadline while incorporating a surprise ingredient. The participating chefs working in long-term care healthcare settings demonstrated their culinary expertise and commitment to creating nutritious and flavorful meals for their communities—a crucial balance in the healthcare industry.
Ivy Tech students were paired with these expert chefs – two of whom are Ivy Tech culinary alums, Matt Seib and Kerolous Saman – who served as sous chefs and played a critical role in the competition’s success. The hands-on experience provided the students with invaluable insights into the fast-paced world of competitive cooking, offering them a real-world application of the techniques and skills they’ve been mastering in their coursework.
In recognition of their hard work and contribution to the event, the IHCA awarded each of the five Ivy Tech students a $500 scholarship. This generous scholarship was not only a testament to the students’ dedication but also a significant boost to their educational journey as they continue to pursue their culinary dreams.
The competition also featured some notable judges, including Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann and Jolene Ketzenberger, Co-Chair of the Hospitality Administration Program's advisory committee. Their participation added an extra layer of prestige to the event, underscoring the close ties between Ivy Tech and Indiana’s culinary community.
The IHCA Culinary Caregiver Competition winner was Michael Minch of American Senior Communities. Ivy Tech was also proud to have two of our culinary alums, Matt Seib and Kerolous Saman, competing
A video overview of the competition, available on YouTube, captures the energy and excitement of the day, highlighting the exceptional talent of both the competing chefs and their Ivy Tech sous chefs. The video provides a behind-the-scenes look at the competition, showcasing the teamwork, creativity, and passion that went into every dish.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech serves more than 200,000 students annually and offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training in more than 70 programs across Indiana. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is committed to providing affordable, high-quality education aligned with the needs of Indiana’s workforce.
