Chef Charles Walsh Jr. (B.P.S. ’98, M.S. ’00) loves to cook, but his favorite moments in the kitchen are tied more to his students’ successes than his own. “For me, it’s more about the thrill of teaching somebody to make a fabulous dish than it is to make it myself,” he says. Charlie first came to NYIT in 1981, but took a hiatus for more than 15 years before returning to complete his bachelor’s degree in professional services. During that time, he established his culinary career and worked his way up to director of operations for Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, N.Y. This was followed by two and a half years as general manager of Southwood Caterers and Conference Center in Lindenhurst, N.Y.

Soon after he received his NYIT master’s degree, Charlie began teaching as an adjunct professor for the hospitality and culinary arts programs. Now, he is executive chef and assistant dining room manager for the Epicurean Room, NYIT’s award-winning restaurant at the Central Islip campus. 

There have been many technology advances in the culinary arts and hospitality fields over the years, Charlie says. He even refers to the Internet as the “greatest cookbook in the world” but maintains that nothing can compare to hands-on experience in the kitchen – the focus of NYIT’s culinary arts program.

In addition to teaching NYIT students, Charlie provides lessons to high school students all over the world through the college’s interactive distance learning programs. “It’s great,” he says of his video appearances. “I’m such a ham.”

He invites all NYIT alumni to try the Epicurean Room’s cuisine. The dining room is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and for dinner on Friday and Saturday. Card-carrying alumni receive a discount.

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