The community of Denver goes all out to support the Grape Escape. Over 140 donations from local businesses, artists, alumni and employers of graduates poured in and the silent auction displayed an array of interesting choices. The Grape Escape includes a formal presentation of Hall of Fame awards to graduates who continue to excel in their chosen fields. Mark Mock, Advertising Design ’69, Tim Meehan, Advertising Design ’79, Phillip Atencio, Visual Communication ’95, and Neal Aspinall, Advertising Design ’98, received this year’s awards. Hall of Fame members are chosen for their professional accomplishment and a commitment to philanthropic efforts over the long term.

Angela York, Brown Mackie College-Kansas City: $500 General Scholarship Award

“After a few big company mergers that left us pondering our company’s future, my brother and I decided to sell our long time family business. That was when I really looked at myself, my life, and what I wanted to do “when I grow up.” No easy task when your are 37 years old, with a family to support and knowing only one real profession—sales. One of my dreams was to become a nurse. Talking it over with my family we decided that I would go back to school, knowing that working during the day and going to school at night would mean sacrifices for all of us.

So here I am back in school. I have put everything into this! I have earned wonderful grades, made many new friends, including those from other walks of life that I might have otherwise never had the opportunity to meet. I have struggled with certain subjects, stayed after for extra help, and then been elated to pass that certain test that I thought would be the death of me!

More than 150 people from all over Pittsburgh enjoyed the taste of New Orleans and Cajun cuisine as Chef Paul presided over the reception in the gallery, demonstrating his unique style and sharing his delicious gumbo with enthusiastic guests. 55 invited guests were served a festive New Orleans-style dinner in the Culinary school’s dining room. Culinary students prepared and served Chef Paul’s delectable creations and the Chef presented a talk about post-Katrina New Orleans. He invited one and all to visit the Big Easy, promising a revived and tourist-ready New Orleans.

The event was the brainstorm of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Public Relations Director, Carrie Butler, who has traditionally been instrumental in marketing and raising funds for their school’s scholarship fund. Many others, including George Pry, President of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Chef Randolph Russell, and Alberta Certo, Director of Career Services, helped to make this sold out event enormously successful. Ms. Butler states: