A $1 Million Gift to Transform Culinary Education at College of the Canyons
A $1 Million Gift to Transform Culinary Education at College of the Canyons
In an inspiring show of support for education and community, the Cusumano family recently made a significant contribution of $1 million to the College of the Canyons (COC). This landmark donation, the largest single contribution in the history of the COC Foundation, aims to enhance culinary arts education and create lasting opportunities for students pursuing careers in the culinary field.
Renaming in Honor of Diana and Gary Cusumano
To honor this generous gift, the college will rename its Institute for Culinary Education (iCUE) building to the Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Building, also known as Cusumano iCUE. The endowment includes the establishment of the Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Endowed Program Fund and the Cusumano Family and Friends Endowed Scholarship Fund. This initiative endeavors to tackle the rising concerns over education access and to address the budgetary constraints faced by many institutions today.
Supporting the Next Generation of Culinary Professionals
The Cusumano Family and Friends Endowed Scholarship Fund aims to uplift students by providing essential financial aid to both part-time and full-time culinary students who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and demonstrate financial need. Starting from spring 2027, eligible students will be able to apply for scholarships that can cover tuition, chef tools, and professional training. This initiative is particularly timely as enrollment patterns shift nationwide, sparking dialogues around vocational education.
Additionally, the Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Program Fund will focus on expanding staffing, faculty training, and continual upgrades of equipment and kitchens to promote innovation within the culinary program.
Celebrating Diana Cusumano's Legacy
The endowment pays tribute to the invaluable contributions of Diana Cusumano, a beloved educator and philanthropist whose impact on the Santa Clarita community was profound. Diana devoted her life to education and the culinary arts, inspiring many during her tenure. She played a pivotal role as a board director of COC Foundation in fundraising for the iCUE facility, demonstrating a commitment to opening avenues for students interested in culinary careers.
Gary Cusumano, Diana's husband, emphasized the family's desire to honor her passion for education: “Diana believed that education—both academic and hands-on—was the strongest path to success in life. I hope this gift will open doors for students who share Diana's passion for culinary arts.”
Opportunities for the Modern Generation
In light of rising college costs, the Cusumano's gift arrives at a crucial time when students are increasingly leaning towards skilled trades. Data from the National Student Clearinghouse shows a 16% surge in enrollment at vocational-focused community colleges in 2024, highlighting a shift in educational priorities among younger generations. Notably, careers in culinary arts, including positions such as chefs and cooks, are projected to grow by 7% in the coming decade, with the average annual income for chefs in northern Los Angeles County reaching $61,081.
However, despite the encouraging employment outlook, the culinary industry still grapples with significant workforce shortages; in 2024, a shocking 45% of restaurants reported being understaffed. The Cusumano family’s generous contribution will help foster education and training necessary to bridge these gaps and encourage the next wave of culinary professionals.
A Collaborative Future
Dr. Jasmine Ruys, the acting superintendent-president at COC, articulated the profound impact of this endowment: “Our students now have greater access to life-changing opportunities. This gift not only empowers our students to pursue their passions and build meaningful careers but also helps meet the urgent workforce demands of California's thriving culinary arts industry.”
Moreover, the Culinary Arts program at COC provides an accessible pathway for students to earn a degree or certificate, with tuition priced at just $46 per unit. The college offers a variety of programs—including an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and certificates in Baking and Pastry, Culinary Arts, and Beer and Wine Studies—with graduates typically finishing in less than two years.
Chef Cindy Schwanke, Department Chair of Culinary Arts and Wine Studies, highlighted the unique challenges many prospective students face, such as the costs associated with uniforms and textbooks. “This substantial gift will help remove barriers for students who want to study in our program,” she stated, encouraging students to expand their culinary horizons and gain global exposure.
The Cusumano family’s pledge establishes a blueprint for robust culinary training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities aimed at students from diverse backgrounds. As COC continues to grow, partnerships with industry professionals may further enhance the opportunities created by this historic gift. The foundation encourages additional donations, welcoming community support to expand educational access to aspiring culinary artists.
In essence, the Cusumano family's transformative gift not only celebrates the legacy of Diana Cusumano but also lays a foundation for future culinary leaders, paving the way for innovation and excellence within the culinary arts program at College of the Canyons.
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