A MESSAGE FROM CIA PRESIDENT MICHIEL BAKKER

Well hello there,

As we close out calendar year 2025, I’m writing to express my gratitude and appreciation for each of you—for welcoming me with open arms and for all that you do to support the Culinary Institute of America and our students.

Fiscal year 2024–2025 was truly an exciting one at the CIA, with some significant milestones along the way, including:

• the transition of leadership for just the sixth time in the college’s nearly 80-year history,

• the introduction of our innovative new Culinary Therapeutics master’s degree program,

• and the expansion of our workforce development offerings through our partnership with the Culinary Institute of the Pacific in Hawai’i.

As we continue this important work, your support is more critical than ever. More than 90% of CIA students rely on scholarships and financial aid to achieve their dream of a CIA education and your dedication to their success helps ensure we have the state-of-the-art facilities, outstanding faculty, and resources to help make their dreams come true.

Thank you for all that you do, and I look forward to what we can accomplish—together—in the coming year.

Sincerely,

Michiel Bakker, President