Kendall College Alumni Association

05/08/2026

Sometimes community is the contingency plan. 🤝

This week we had the pleasure of hosting the incredible team from Bad Butter in our kitchens while they navigated an unexpected challenge with their own space. What made it even more special? Not only are some of the talented chefs behind the brand Kendall alumni, but they also took the time to work alongside our students and give them a behind-the-scenes look at how their pastries are made.

A huge thank you to the Dan (Chef/owner), Jessie(Pastry Alum), and Taylor(Pastry Alum) for not only leaning on the community during a challenging moment, but also giving back while doing so. Students Daisy and Amelia were able to spend a few hours learning, observing, and seeing firsthand how it’s all done — an experience they’ll carry with them long after the kitchen lights are off.

In this industry, things happen. Equipment breaks, spaces become unavailable, plans shift. And when they do, having a strong community around you matters. Hospitality has always been about showing up for one another, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities even in difficult moments.

We’re grateful we could open our doors, and even more grateful for the reminder that community over competition will always be the recipe. ❤️

02/21/2026

Join us for Flour Power: Building a Pastry Career, an engaging panel conversation exploring the many paths within the pastry industry.

Designed with pastry students in mind, this panel brings together professionals whose experience spans breads, cake decorating, confections, entrepreneurship, education, and more. You’ll gain real insight into what building a sustainable and creative career in pastry can truly look like.

📅 Monday, February 23
⏰ 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Kendall College at National Louis University
18 S. Michigan Ave, Career Bridge (6th Floor)

In-person attendance is reserved for current students and alumni.

If you can’t join us on campus, please join us virtually via Zoom https://lnkd.in/gcEDsnmY

Open to all curious minds. Come curious, leave inspired.

01/05/2026

We honor the life and legacy of Chef Steven Chiappetti, a proud Kendall College alum and a deeply influential leader in Chicago’s culinary community.

A South Side native, Chef Chiappetti combined his formal training at Kendall with mentorship under some of the industry’s most respected chefs, forging a career defined by excellence, creativity, and heart. He opened and led several highly acclaimed restaurants that helped shape Chicago’s dining scene and earned national recognition throughout his career.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Chiappetti was unwavering in his commitment to education and mentorship. His service on the Kendall College Board of Trustees reflected his dedication to nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals and giving back to the institution that helped shape his journey.

His belief that “everything I am is on the plate” lives on through the countless students, colleagues, and community members he inspired. We are proud to call him part of the Kendall alumni family.

Rest in peace, Chef. Your legacy endures.

06/10/2025

📣 Kendall Alums—Your Café Vision Starts Here

Have a passion for hospitality and a dream of running your own café?
☕✨ Urban Juncture is calling on bold food & beverage leaders to bring a vibrant, café-style experience to life at The Forum Cafe—located in the heart of Bronzeville.

Whether you’re ready to launch your first concept or take your leadership to the next level, this is your chance to brew comfort, build community, and serve serious flavor.

Hospitality Open House
📍 318 E 43rd St, Chicago
🗓️ Monday, June 23 | 5:30–7:30 PM

Come explore the space, connect with the Urban Juncture team, and learn how you can activate your café dream inside this historic community hub.

🔗 Follow for updates.
Let’s make magic—over coffee.

04/19/2025

🔥 Kendall Alumni — It’s Time to Turn Up the Heat! 🔥

We’re calling YOU back to the kitchen for a high-energy Market Basket Competition
Each alum will be given 1 of 6 signature products to incorporate into a creative, delicious dish.
Do you have what it takes to impress our panel of judges?

👩‍🍳 Open to Kendall alumni only (or Current students with approval)
🥫 Caruso products will be the star ingredients
🏆 Winner receives a 6-month brand ambassadorship with Caruso
💰 Includes $600 compensation for 6 social media posts & recipes

📍 Kendall College @ National Louis University
📅 May 31, 2025 @ 10am
🔗 Sign up now – link in bio!

Tag your fellow Kendall alums who need to enter 👇
Let’s see what you’re cooking! 🍴🔥

04/15/2025

📢 Calling all foodies, future founders & hospitality dreamers!

✨ Join us for the Kendall College Entrepreneurship Panel
📅 April 21st, 2025 | 5–7PM
📍 18 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago

🎤 Dive into real-talk with culinary and hospitality entrepreneurs making waves in the industry.

🎤 Moderated by Natalie Shmulik of The Hatchery
👥 Featuring:
• Heather Bublick – Soul & Smoke (Alum)
• Danny Bullock – Bull Young Bourbon (Alum)
• Zeeshan Shah – SuperKhana International (Alum)
• Anthony Waller – Catering Out of The Box

🥂 Plus: Enjoy snacks and beverages prepared by our own Catering Class!

Let’s talk launching, funding, scaling & succeeding 💥
🔥 Free & open to students and alumni! RSVP through the [link in bio]!

02/18/2025

Join us for an inspiring evening at Kendall College at NLU’s Women in Our Industry Panel on Monday, March 10th at 5 PM!

📍 Location: 18 S. Michigan Ave, 7th Floor
🍽 Catering: Enjoy delicious bites prepared by our talented Catering class

Come hear from leading women in the culinary and hospitality industry as they share their journeys, challenges, and successes. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight, network with industry professionals, and see all the exciting things happening at Kendall College!

We hope to see you there! RSVP today to secure your spot.

02/18/2025

You're invited to join the conversation. Kendall College is hosting a Women in Our Industry Panel on March 10th at 5pm. Join fellow alumni and current Kendall students at 18 S. Michigan Ave.

05/26/2023

Good evening, Alumni! Kendall here, and we’ve got big news. Kendall alum is hosting a pop-up experience on June 10th. Tickets are going fast, so grab yours today at exploretock.com/Kendallcollegediningroom.

Xoxo, Team Kendall

04/07/2023

We’re sad to share the passing of 2016 alumni, Chris Rodriguez. Deepest condolences to the Rodriquez family and all those who were luck to enough to know him.

View Christopher Rodriguez's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.