We love to showcase the achievements and successes of our alumni. Take a minute to check out this story.
Alumni: Matthew Shaw
Hometown: Beeville, Texas
Year of Graduation: 2001 & 2011
What inspired you to become a chef?
For most of my adult life I have had a passion for food prep, presentation and for the pleasure of using food as a medium to bring together family, friends and colleagues. It began in my mother’s humble country kitchen and has blossomed into a profession I am proud to have membership within.
How would you describe the impact of your courses at CIL on your daily life?
Now that I am in charge of my own galley (kitchen), I have the opportunity to teach those just starting in the culinary field within the Coast Guard what I learned at CIL. From “mise en place” to knife skills, to classical and contemporary culinary techniques. Everyday I refer back to my training that I obtained withCIL over 15 years ago!
Any memorable moments as a student?
Returning to CIL in 2011 for an Associates degree, delivering the commencement speech as the Gold Magna Cum Laude graduate for my class, and then being given a scholarship to stage in Paris by Alain and Marie LeNotre.
Any words of wisdom for students?
A culinarian’s learning process never stops. There will always be a challenge to overcome and a skill set to refine.
To be featured in our next Alumni Spotlight follow the link and complete our form!