Chapman University’s Food Science Graduate Program hosted
its 4th Annual Food Industry Networking night on April 1, 2015. This year’s event, co-hosted by first year
students Emma Gottschall and Alex Hoang,
saw over 110 food industry professionals, alumni and current students exchange
ideas, reconnect with professors and colleagues, and, of course swap business
cards! Year after year, this event proves to
be a great opportunity to discover industry trends and hiring needs, as well as
to celebrate the talented MS and MS/ MBA food scientists studying here at
Chapman University.
This year, we welcomed alumna Iris
Galanis Eshoo (M.S. ’97), Vice President of Food Safety and Quality Assurance
at See's Candy, and Rob Neenan, President of the California League of Food
Processors (CLFP) as our Keynote Speakers. Graduate student Tushar Sawant
mentioned, “The networking night at Chapman helped me gain valuable insights
and helped me connect with important people within the food industry.” Another
graduate student, Adam Perestam, stated “Networking night was an invaluable
experience that provided the unique chance to meet a wide range of industry
professionals to discuss career opportunities, something that couldn’t be
replicated anywhere else.” Overall, our students left the event feeling they
had gained something valuable for their futures.
See below for snapshots of the night:
Rob Neenan spoke about the status of the California food industry.
A glimpse of the bustling interactions among students, alumni, and professionals alike.
The Food Science program was started 36 years ago to meet the demand of the significant growth of the food industry in southern California. The program quickly gained a reputation for well qualified food scientists. Program Chair, Dr. Anuradha Prakash stated that “Chapman continues to maintain a reputation of excellence where companies remain confident to hire Chapman graduates.” The turnout of companies represented at the Food Industry Networking Night is a testimony to the high quality of our program and the talent of our students. Thank you to everyone who made the event a success!
Until the next networking night!
-Alex Hoang and Emma Gottschall