  University Appoints Executive Director of Culinary Procurement PROVIDENCE, R.I. — March 1, 2007 — Karl Guggenmos, University Dean of Culinary Education at Johnson & Wales University, has appointed Peter Cooper to the position of executive director of culinary procurement, for the University Office of Culinary Education. In this new role, Cooper will be responsible for the development of a long-term, system-wide strategy that not only assesses, but streamlines procurement activities as it relates to food products, equipment, equipment replacement, chemicals, small wares and vendor relationships, all of which play a pivotal role in the educational delivery, quality and competitiveness of the College of Culinary Arts. Cooper has vast culinary experience. For the last 19 years he owned and ran the highly-acclaimed restaurant, The Harvest in northeast Connecticut. He began his career at the Elms Inn in Ridgefield, Connecticut, apprenticing under the notable Scala family. Cooper received a business degree from the University of Connecticut and in 1976 applied to the University's College of Culinary Arts as the first advanced standing student. He graduated at the top of his class in 1977 and accepted a position in the Career Development Office, before returning to the Elms Inn after the sudden passing of the owner, Mario Scala. He has also worked at Brown University and The Ritz Carlton in Chicago. Among his many accomplishments, Cooper led a team of J&W culinary students to win the Grand Salon in Pastry at the 1981 Chicago NRA Show, and was selected as the University's 133rd Distinguished Visiting Chef for the 2001/2002 academic year. He currently serves as President of the Johnson & Wales Alumni Council. Johnson & Wales University, founded in 1914, is a nonprofit, private institution. A recognized leader in career education, we offer accredited degrees in business, hospitality, culinary arts, technology and education. With a diverse student body of more than 16,000 graduate and undergraduate students, representing all 50 states and 89 countries, JWU prepares students for personal and professional success by integrating rigorous academics and professional skills, community leadership opportunities and our unique career education model. The university is committed to urban revitalization and thoughtful historic renovation. Through active civic participation and by offering unique learning opportunities, JWU improves the quality of life in its campus communities in Providence, R.I., North Miami, Fla., Denver, Colo., and Charlotte, N.C. For more information visit www.jwu.edu.
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