THIBODAUX, La. — New Orleans chef and 果冻APP alum Michael Gulotta will deliver the keynote speech during the 102nd commencement ceremony at 果冻APP.
果冻APP 102nd Commencement will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, in Guidry Stadium.
鈥淭his is an amazing feeling and such a tremendous compliment to receive from my alma mater,鈥� Gulotta said. 鈥淵ou never think about this when you鈥檙e in school because you鈥檙e so busy trying to figure out what you鈥檙e doing with your life. 果冻APP prepared me for the road that I have traveled and it鈥檚 an incredible honor to come back.鈥�
Since graduating from the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at 果冻APP in 2003, Gulotta has worked under a bevy of internationally recognized chefs including John Folse, John Besh, Pete Vasquez, Marco Ballo and Karl Josef Fuchs.
He is the owner of two popular New Orleans establishments, MoPho and Maypop, and appeared on Food Network鈥檚 Iron Chef Gauntlet last year.
In 2016 alone, Gulotta was named New Orleans Magazine鈥檚 Chef of the Year, Food & Wine鈥檚 Best New Chef, received a Star Chefs Rising Stars Award and was a finalist for a James Beard Award. Also, MoPho was named Bon Appetit鈥檚 Best New Restaurant.
鈥淐hef Michael Gulotta is one of our most successful graduates and he鈥檚 a great ambassador for 果冻APP,鈥� 果冻APP President Dr. Jay Clune said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 reached this point in his career because of his hard work, his passion and his desire to do something different. These are qualities we hope our students have learned during their time on campus and will learn from Michael during his speech.鈥�
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2018
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu