April 14th, 2026 — An expansive new take on student involvement and hands-on education emerges as students are able to expand their confidence in cooking through Gourmet Dining’s Teaching Kitchen Experience.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to learn how to make simple and easy recipes in their dorm rooms and beyond,” said guest Chef Jehangir Mehta, who worked one-on-one with students through the most recent event. “But these types of events are not just about food or teaching, they are also about connection.”

Marist’s dining partner, Gourmet Dining, brings nutrition and wellness to the forefront of students’ lives. They focus on practical cooking education, encouraging expanded knowledge of nutrition, skill-building, and community building in the process.

The Teaching Kitchen from Student Perspectives

No matter how familiar you are with cooking, these Teaching Kitchens are designed for all experience levels.

“I have been coming to these kitchen classes since the first one there was, and I really enjoy them,” said Camila Guasque ’28. “You get to know the people who come here, and it’s just really fun.”

The Teaching Kitchen welcomes students into the world of cooking in a way that is accessible and enjoyable to participate in. Many students commented on the opportunity to try something new on campus, exploring different ways to learn outside of the classroom.

“I highly recommend this experience to other students,” said Ashley Dimino ’26. “Even if you’ve never stepped into a kitchen before, it's very helpful.”

“I’ve never cooked at all before, and came to the Teaching Kitchen to try new things,” said Francesca Bopp ’29.

What to Expect from a Teaching Kitchen

Students peel brightly colored carrots to form the base of their rainbow ribbon carrot salad. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

In this semester alone, Teaching Kitchen experiences have included dark chocolate date truffles, sesame soba noodle salad, cookie dough granola, and more!

“The Teaching Kitchen experience provides students with an opportunity to be off their phones and social media, to connect with each other and learn a life skill that is going to stay with them for the rest of their lives,” said Marie Murphy, Director of Nutrition and Wellness at Marist and Gourmet Dining’s Dietitian.

Marist Dining emphasizes health and wellness across its offerings, with accommodations for allergies, dietary needs, and access to nutritional guidance. The Teaching Kitchen reflects this approach, highlighting foods that are both nourishing and accessible.

What Gourmet Dining Offers at Marist

Marie Murphy, Director of Nutrition and Wellness at Marist, provides assistance to students during a Teaching Kitchen. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

“We're always open to feedback in terms of what students are looking for,” said Marie Murphy. She works with Gourmet Dining to plan the Teaching Kitchen events in addition to several other programs designed to facilitate education in healthy eating habit-building.

Gourmet Dining also provides opportunities for students to work behind-the-scenes, creating jobs for students to explore their creativity in marketing with the freedom they need to grow.

“I started working for Gourmet because of my background and interest in food, marketing, and social media,” said Daniel Rall ’26, an intern for Gourmet Dining’s marketing team at Marist. “I like working at these Teaching Kitchens because I find event planning really fun, and it’s a bonus that students get to take the food home after!”

Gourmet Dining’s commitment to the wellness of the student body and dedication to their community outreach efforts shine through events such as the Teaching Kitchen. Where everyone is welcome, accepted, and given the freedom to learn outside of the classroom.

Event information can be found on the Marist University Dining Services Instagram page or on posters outside of the dining hall entrances.