First Culinary Graduation at Helms College

AUGUSTA, GA (Barry Paschal) - Helms College, Augusta Campus, will celebrate the success of its first graduating class of culinary students with a ceremony set for 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Snelling Center, 3165 Washington Road at Fury’s Ferry Road.

Nearly 30 students are expected to cross the stage to receive their culinary certificates or diplomas during the first commencement exercise for the Augusta campus. Many of these students were part of an enthusiastic “clap out” ceremony upon completion of studies with the first class from the Helms College, Augusta Campus, in September, and during the Jan. 23 ceremony will temporarily trade their chef’s whites for caps and gowns as they formally graduate from the program. Keynote speaker for the ceremony will be Henry Marburger, General Manager of the Augusta Country Club, a key partner in experiential learning opportunities for Helms students and graduates.

“We’re very proud of the accomplishments of our Helms College graduates,” said Lisa Summins, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Helms College. “Their achievement provides a great example for future Helms students, and demonstrates that these graduates – most of whom already are employed in their field of study – have taken steps toward improving their lives and building a better community.”

Enrollment currently is underway for the next class at Helms College, with classes starting Jan. 13. For information, contact Helms College Admissions and Recruitment Manager Amy Breitmann at (706) 651-9707, or email abreitmann@helms.edu.

Helms College, operated by Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA, provides nationally accredited culinary education at campuses in Augusta and Macon. Since starting in Macon in 2007, the college has expanded to include the Augusta campus and is poised to grow with additional campus sites and programs locally and throughout the United States. Last fiscal year, Helms College maintained an 87 percent graduation rate and placed 75 percent of student graduates in their field of study within 90 days of completion. To learn more about Helms College, go to www.helms.edu.