Congratulations to our 2024 Graduating Interns!
As the school year ends, we want to showcase our graduating interns and their remarkable accomplishments. Congratulations to our interns and thank you for choosing to work with us.
read moreNourishing Minds and Building Skills: The Impact of Illinois College’s Teaching Kitchen Wellness Series
At Illinois College, wellness education is being reimagined—one meal at a time. The Teaching Kitchen Wellness Series, a collaboration between Illinois College Dining and the Office of Student Development, is doing more than teaching students how to cook. It’s empowering them with lifelong skills that support physical health, mental well-being, and academic success.
Led by Lisa Carlson, MS, RDN, LDN, the Teaching Kitchen series offers hands-on experiences that go far beyond the classroom. From learning how to stock a healthy pantry to mastering knife skills and preparing budget-friendly meals, students are gaining confidence in the kitchen and clarity in their choices. And to support the educational journeys of our guests, each Teaching Kitchen also offers convocation credit.
Students have prepared meals using leftover ingredients, explored the power of fermented foods, and discovered how one rotisserie chicken can stretch into five nutritious dishes. Each session is designed to be interactive, practical, and deeply relevant.
The series also reflects a strategic partnership with the Chelsey Health Wellness Center and the Office of Student Development, reinforcing the connection between food, wellness, and student support. Future sessions have already been planned for events that support plant-powered eating, fueling for sports, and heart-healthy meals.
What makes this initiative truly impactful is its holistic approach. It meets students where they are—offering accessible, culturally relevant, and affordable strategies for eating well. It fosters community, sparks curiosity, and builds resilience through food.
As the Teaching Kitchen continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to equip students with the tools they need to thrive—inside and outside the kitchen.
