Culinary Arts Celebrates Alumni Success Stories
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
The Culinary Arts Department at Bakersfield College boasts a rich tradition of offering exceptional culinary training programs that prepare students for success in the professional culinary world.
Several recent graduates of the program have gone on to pursue professional careers in the culinary industry:
- Melody Charbonneau and Braydon Dibartolo, who both graduated in May 2025, are cooks at the beautiful Oasis Resort in Death Valley, CA. Both of their careers are off to a great start.
- Ivan Valencia is another recent graduate and is currently working at Disney World in Florida. He is excited to use his culinary skills at the happiest place on earth.
- Cheyenne Morris has launched her own food truck, Bakersfield Brunch Box, bringing bold brunch flavors to the streets of Bakersfield. She is also paying it forward by hiring fellow alum Jazmin Quintero to join her growing team.
- Edgar Rodriguez, another May 2025 graduate, was recently hired as the Sous Chef at NV Catering right here in Bakersfield – which gives him a terrific opportunity to showcase his talent to the local community.
- Tanner Kirven, a former student, previously served as Sous Chef at the Padre Hotel, and is now expanding his repertoire as the seasonal Sous Chef at an ocean-side inn in Cape Cod, MA.
Marcia Overturf, Lab Technician and Adjunct Faculty in the Culinary Arts Program, was eager to share these success stories with the BC community. “We are so happy to share exciting updates and inspiring accomplishments from our talented culinary students and recent graduates,” she says, “Their hard work, creativity, and dedication to the craft of cooking are taking these students to incredible places – both near and far.”
Congratulations to these BC alumni who are excelling in their field and adding to the stellar reputation of the Culinary Arts Program. We look forward to hearing more reports of success from past, present and future students!
