Trotter to Keynote CBA Spring Commencement

Charlie Trotter, world-renowned chef and owner of the popular restaurant Charlie Trotter's, will be the keynote speaker for the UIC College of Business Administration's spring commencement ceremony. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2008.

Charlie Trotter's has been recognized by a variety of prestigious national and international institutions for its excellence and its efforts in establishing new standards for fine dining worldwide. In 1995, the restaurant was inducted into the esteemed Relais & Chateaux. It was accepted as a member by Traditions & Qualite in 1998, received Five Stars from the Mobil Travel Guide, Five Diamonds by AAA and eight James Beard Foundation awards, including "Outstanding Restaurant" in 2000 and "Outstanding Chef" in 1999. Chef Trotter is the author of 11 cookbooks, the subject of two management books, and is the host of the nationally aired, award winning PBS cooking series, The Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter.

Beyond his numerous culinary accolades, Chef Trotter is very involved in philanthropic activities. Closest to his heart is the Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation. Since its inception in 1999, Chef Trotter has hosted weekly dinners for high school students, as well as underwritten annual fundraising dinners for the foundation. To date the foundation has raised more than $1 million to award to individuals seeking careers in the culinary arts.

Chef Trotter recently received an award at the White House from both President Bush and Colin Powell for his work with the foundation and was named one of only five 'heroes' to be honored by Colin Powell's charity, America's Promise. In 2004, Chef Trotter was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year award by the International Association of Culinary Professionals for his overall service to the community.

Chef Trotter is a member of the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame, which was founded by the UIC Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies. He is currently working with the Hall on its efforts to increase entrepreneurship exposure and education for inner city middle and high schools.