Les Cheneaux Culinary School students savor the sights and smells of success before their creation is served in an on-site restaurant for enjoyment. Lake Superior State University is teaming up with the Upper Peninsula school on a one-year culinary certificate that will open kitchen doors for students worldwide.

Lake Superior State University is teaming up with Les Cheneaux Culinary School to deliver a culinary arts certificate beginning in September. The certificate will offer students a focused one-year training and internship experience to learn the art of cooking under the auspices of master chefs. It also combines instruction in chef, kitchen and restaurant management, along with specialized studies in canning and fermentation. All are welcome to attend an open house at Les Cheneaux Culinary School in Hessel on Friday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn more about the program and enjoy a delicious meal. Register online at LSSU.edu/culinary.

“The importance of programs like this culinary arts certificate cannot be overstated in the university’s strategic direction,” says LSSU President Rodney Hanley. “Adding technical and skills-based program options appeal to a wider student demographic range.”

LSSU joins the Hessel, Michigan-based school, which was started in 2014 and features a 5,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art kitchen. The on-site restaurant can accommodate 880-plus guests and is open mid-May through early September. The entire menu is drawn up and prepared fresh daily as part of the training. The farm-to-table school seeks sustainability produced and seeks locally-sourced food.

“My favorite part of the program is the freedom to become creative, experimenting with more flavors and products than you could imagine,” says Matthew Nelson, Les Cheneaux Culinary School alum, and Executive Chef at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island. “The ability to make everything from scratch is absolutely, hands down, the best method of culinary training
you can possibly have.”

Financial aid may be available. LSSU will also offer room and board on its main campus. Coast Guard personnel and their dependents are eligible for tuition saving, thanks to a standing agreement between Sector Sault Ste. Marie and Lake State.

The culinary program joins other certificate programs created in E-Marketing, International Business and Geographical Information Systems. Certificates are specifically tailored for working adults as well as LSSU students regardless of major. They are a quick way to expand skill sets and marketability. Visit LSSU.edu/culinary to read more.

Lake Superior State University is Michigan’s most affordable public university with One-Rate at Lake State tuition for all. Well known for programs such as fisheries and wildlife management, engineering, nursing, criminal justice and fire science; Lake State is also leading the way with innovative new programs, including cannabis chemistry and cannabis business. 

Press release provided by Lake Superior State University