In a collaboration between the Residence Hall Association, Temple Dining, the Barnett College of Public Health, and the Aramark Community Teaching Kitchen, Temple students came together for a first-of-its-kind, hands-on cooking experience.
In Paley Hall, students rolled up their sleeves, turned up the heat, and served up more than just a meal. This campus cooking class brought beginners and seasoned cooks together for a night filled with flavor and fellowship.
For event organizer Tanaka Manhede, President of the Residence Hall Association, this class wasn’t just about following a recipe; it was about giving students practical skills they can take with them long after graduation.
“I wanted students to have skills that were transferable to wherever they go, especially if they move into their first apartment,” Manhede said.
Students sautéed, sampled, and stirred their way through Temple Dining’s Chef Todd’s chili recipe, a hearty dish that quickly turned strangers into teammates.
Temple student Abdel Hassouna remarked that the real secret ingredient wasn’t in the food at all, it was in the people around it.
“It was great to be in here to cook the chili and to have fun with other people, to come together with food,” Hassouna shared.
Manhede emphasized that giving residential students first access to the new kitchen space was an intentional decision. Offering a space where students feel welcome, supported, and connected is all part of the Residence Hall Association’s meal plan.
“We get to say the residential students were here first, and that’s a big deal because we want residential students to feel special when they’re living on campus,” Manhede stated.
The Director of the Community Teaching Kitchen, Gina Tripicchio, says this brand-new space is ready for a full menu of programming designed to benefit the wider university.
“I think what is going to make events so exciting in this space is all of these partnerships, both in and around Temple University,” Tripicchio commented.
Looking ahead, the kitchen will continue to grow, promising new partnerships, new classes, and new ways for Temple students to connect over shared plates and practical skills.
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