The Institute of Culinary Education Los Angeles Campus Celebrates 2025 Graduates in Milestone Ceremony, Celebrating 50th Anniversary

LOS ANGELES, May 12, 2025 -- The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) will honor the next generation of culinary leaders at its LA campus commencement ceremony on May 12, 2025, at the California Institute of Technology. The ceremony will feature chefs and industry leaders, including chefs Curtis Stone and Steve Samson.

Stone, acclaimed chef and television personality, will deliver the keynote address to the graduates. Known for his Michelin-starred restaurant Gwen and extensive media presence including Iron Chef, Top Chef Masters and more, Stone's career is a testament to the accomplishments that culinary professionals can achieve with passion and dedication.

Samson, a celebrated ICE alumnus and the executive chef/owner of Rossoblu and Superfine Pizza, is the alumni speaker. This year, in celebration of the school's 50th anniversary, Samson has been recognized as one of ICE's 50 Distinguished Alumni.

"We are incredibly proud of all our graduates have accomplished and the dedication they've shown throughout their time at ICE," said Lachlan Sands, president of ICE's Los Angeles campus. "As they move into the future, we are confident they will make a lasting impact on the culinary world with their passion, creativity and leadership."

The ceremony will include presentations to graduates of ICE's associate degree and diploma programs. 

"We are proud of the growing graduation classes at our Los Angeles campus since its opening in 2018," said Rick Smilow, ICE CEO. "Since our founding 50 years ago ICE has trained thousands of culinary professionals who have gone on to achieve success in every area of the industry. This graduating class joins a legacy of talented alumni who continue to shape the future of food."

ICE's New York campus students will graduate on June 24.

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About the Institute of Culinary Education
The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) is one of the largest and most diverse culinary schools in the world with campuses in New York and Los Angeles. Established in 1975, ICE offers award-winning six- to 16-month in-person and online career training programs in Culinary Arts, Pastry & Baking Arts, Plant-Based Culinary Arts, Restaurant & Culinary Management, and Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Management, in addition to professional development in Techniques of Artisan Bread Baking, The Art of Cake Decorating and Intensive Sommelier Training — with nearly 20,000 alumni, many of whom are leaders in the industry.

ICE also offers continuing education for culinary professionals, hosts more than 300 special events each year, and is home to one of the world's largest recreational cooking, baking, and beverage programs. ICE's 74,000-square-foot, cutting-edge campus in New York City and its 38,000-square-foot Los Angeles campus were designed for inspiration, creativity, and community. Visit us at ice.edu or join us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube at @iceculinary to find your culinary voice™.