Enjoy internationally inspired cuisine, live cooking competitions and an evening supporting the next generation of culinary professionals
Psychology major Emerald Moreno is inspired by a passion for understanding and interpreting others, along with a deep faith that psychology is her calling. She plans to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, minor in Spanish, and continue exploring a future in law.
After a major surgery and months of recovery, Tracey Kushner faced a decision that would reshape her future. In 2024, she returned to San Diego Mesa College determined to finish the degree she had started years earlier.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — San Diego Mesa College proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2026, honoring 1,958 graduates who earned more than 2,017 academic degrees and 414 certificates. A total of 727 graduates participated in the ceremony, joined by family, friends, faculty, staff, and community supporters.
March 15, 2016
Tonya Whitfield, Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts/Culinary Management, was awarded the Culinary Educator of the Year award by the Chefs de Cuisine Association of San Diego, a chapter of the American Culinary Federation.
“I was surprised to receive such a great honor,” said Whitfield, who became the second Mesa professor to be named Culinary Educator of the year since Robert Reid won the award in 2013. “Mesa’s Culinary Arts program has been expanding over the past several years and is very competitive. I'm proud to be part of it.”
Whitfield was given an official ACF jacket, a plaque, and a $300 equipment scholarship. She also took part in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Balboa Park, riding alongside the ACF Chefs de Cuisine President and the Chef of the Year.
The award comes after Whitfield and her students hosted the annual Chefs de Cuisine November General Meeting. The dinner showcased the talents of Mesa Culinary Arts students.
Tags: Faculty & Staff, Awards, Culinary Arts, Tonya Whitfield
Jennifer Nichols Kearns
Director of Communications
[email protected]
(619) 388-2759
Enjoy internationally inspired cuisine, live cooking competitions and an evening supporting the next generation of culinary professionals
San Diego Mesa College proudly celebrates Dr. Edeama Onwuchekwa Jonah, Associate Professor, Equity and Engagement Librarian, and Learning Resources and Academic Support (LRAS) Department Chair and Mesa’s DEIA Coordinator, as the recipient of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) Regina Stanback Stroud Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Antiracism, and Accessibility Award.
Connie Renda, MA, RHIA, CHDA, Program Director and Assistant Professor for Health Information Technology and Management, was recognized by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) with the prestigious Leadership Award.
Psychology major Emerald Moreno is inspired by a passion for understanding and interpreting others, along with a deep faith that psychology is her calling. She plans to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, minor in Spanish, and continue exploring a future in law.
After a major surgery and months of recovery, Tracey Kushner faced a decision that would reshape her future. In 2024, she returned to San Diego Mesa College determined to finish the degree she had started years earlier.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — San Diego Mesa College proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2026, honoring 1,958 graduates who earned more than 2,017 academic degrees and 414 certificates. A total of 727 graduates participated in the ceremony, joined by family, friends, faculty, staff, and community supporters.
