Hospitality professor to compete in 'Pennsylvania Palate'

The Iron Chef-style competition, in which nine chefs are given the same ingredients and a few hours to create an entrée that can be served as an hors d’oeuvre, is part of the Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association’s food and beverage conference being held at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College.

Cooper will prepare her food with the help of a student from the Pennsylvania College of Technology. In addition, two of Cooper’s hospitality management students, Heather Jordan of Tiona and Robin Pile of Audubon, will be able to attend the conference and take part in sessions.

The prepared food will be served at a reception for the conference attendees who will have a chance to vote for the best of show, most creative and best use of local organic foods.

“It was an honor to be asked to do it and I’m proud to represent the university,” said Cooper, who had to apply for the competition.

James Dombrosky, director of the hospitality management program, said, “It’s great to have Pitt-Bradford represented in this high-profile event, and it’s an honor to have one of our professors selected to compete.”

Cooper holds a master of science degree in hospitality and tourism from the University of Wisconsin – Stout. She has 22 years’ experience in hospitality, international banking and technology as well as four years in teaching college-level hospitality and business programs. She is a past president of the Minnesota chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International.

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