Lincoln Brainard (Trumansburg, NY) visited Alfred State and immediately fell in love. Drawn to the welcoming community and hands-on learning environment, he knew Alfred State’s Culinary Arts program was the right place to turn a lifelong passion for cooking into a career.
"I grew up cooking with my mom, and she taught me so much. Coming to Alfred State gave me the opportunity to build on that foundation and take my skills to the next level."
One of Lincoln's favorite aspects of the program is the real-world experience students gain. From serving guests at The Collegiate to working in The Refinery and helping feed hundreds of students daily at The Rig, students learn what it takes to succeed in a professional culinary environment.
"The hands-on experience is incredible. We're not just learning in a classroom, we're working in real restaurants and serving real customers."
Brainard credits the faculty for bringing years of industry experience into their teaching. "The chefs bring real-world knowledge and experiences into everything we do. They teach us skills that we'll actually use in our careers."
He plans to combine his culinary education with business knowledge through Alfred State's 2+2 pathway, earning degrees in both Culinary Arts and Business Administration. He ultimately would like to own and operate his own business.
Lincoln serves as captain of the Alfred State club volleyball team, works as a student ambassador, and provides peer tutoring for fellow culinary students.
"I like staying involved because it gives me the chance to meet new people, help others, and make the most of my college experience."
A recipient of a culinary scholarship, Brainard says the financial support helped make his education more affordable while allowing him to focus on his future goals.
Alfred State has given Lincoln the recipe to create his own opportunities.