Keiser University recently welcomed over 120 community members to its Cooking for a Cause gala. Held at Michael’s on East in Sarasota, Florida, the affair was designed to cater to adventurous and experiential-seeking foodies.
Led by Dr. Michele Morgan, Keiser University Associate Vice Chancellor and Sarasota Campus President, the evening offered a departure from the traditional dining occasion by providing guests the opportunity to enjoy an interactive cooking experience with a silent and live auction complete with delectable wine, cuisine, and laughter throughout the evening. With no experience required, culinary cohorts took turns creating each course guided by Executive Chef Jamil Paneda and co-proprietor Phil Mancini.
Proceeds from the event benefited Keiser University’s Scholarship Fund and Aquatic Center, a facility offering life-saving swim lessons and water safety classes to children and families. “Keiser University is educating the future workforce for our community. With over 85% of our graduates staying local upon graduation, it is so impactful that our community joined to support student scholarship opportunities to assist learners with pursuing and continuing their Keiser University degrees,” said Morgan. “At the end of the day, our community is the beneficiary of these dollars by way of much-needed and talented employees,” she said.
Keiser University is a private, independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 21 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023-24.
Keiser University’s Cooking for a Cause event draws a crowd.
Clint Kasten of Robson Sign and Greater Sarasota Chamber President Heather Kasten enjoy the affair.
Sylma Priegues and Garrett Pristley of Buffalo Lodging Associates enjoy a selfie.
My instructors believed in me. They were more than instructors, they tried to get to know you as a person and tried to understand your goals so they could push you towards them. Student services helped me find a job before I even graduated. Everyone was dedicated to my overall success.
