Panthers honored at 2010 “SoBe”

Barilla and Buckhead Beef of Florida presented School of Hospitality and Tourism Management students with awards for their work as student associates on last month’s Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

Grad student Rachel Reppert received the Best FIU Student Chef Award, 2010, from Barilla. The award carries a $1,500 prize.

School of Hospitality Interim Dean Joan Remington, Rachel Reppert and Angie Goldberg, Barilla America, LLC brand manager.

“Rachel has a great attitude and is always willing to help where she can,” said School of Hospitality Associate Dean Mohammad Qureshi of Reppert’s kudos. “We are very proud of her community involvement with Common Threads, as a teaching assistant and as a student leader at both the 2009 and 2010 festivals.”

Five of Reppert’s fellow Panthers – Alexander Lipin, Rodney Barchi, Loraine Tejada, Ayelen Ferrer and Laura Manon – also were recognized for their work during “SoBe.” Each received $500 from the Certified Angus Beef ^® brand and Buckhead Beef of Florida.

Roy Mitchell (Buckhead Beef of Florida), Loraine Tejada, Ayelen Ferrer, Rodney Barchi, Alexander Lipin, Laura Manon, chef Roger Probst, School of Hospitality Interim Dean Joan Remington, Deanna Walenciak (Certified Angus Beef, LLC) and chef instructor Kevin Robson.

“We are excited to support FIU and encourage these future leaders in the food-service industry,” said John Stika, president of Certified Angus Beef Brand, LLC. “Today more than ever, we appreciate how hard students work to pay for their education. It is an honor for us to be able to help these promising students reach their goal.”