June 24, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The final episode of Grand Rapids Community College’s “Cooking with Angus” program earned an Emmy Award from the Michigan chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences – the second honor for the show hosted by the former Secchia Institute for Culinary Education chef.
The Emmy, in the Documentary-Cultural category, was presented in a virtual ceremony Saturday.
The program followed retired GRCC chef Angus Campbell as he shared lessons about cooking and life for more than 100 episodes. Noah DeSmit and Klaas Kwant, of GRCC’s Media Technologies Department, produced the series through a grant from Peter Secchia and Jay Smith.
The final episode, which aired on WZZM, reunites Campbell and chefs Freddie Lightbourne, Richard Sturgeon, and Nicola Conte, who served as colleagues and mentors. Together, they plan meals to share with Secchia graduates Alexis Rocha, Steve Couch, Megan Punches and Matt Balmer.
The episode goes back and forth between Campbell’s hometown of Lewis, Scotland, and Grand Rapids, showcasing an emotional, cultural and delicious picture of his career in the culinary arts and education.
Campbell, a master chef who cooked and taught around the world, was a GRCC professor for 25 years, retiring in 2016.
“This isn't just an honor for Angus, Klaas and myself,” DeSmit said. “It speaks to the level of quality that GRCC's culinary program manufactures in its instructors, graduates and global network of incredible chefs and restaurants.
"Working on this project -- in particular, this episode -- is undoubtedly the most rewarding experience in my professional career."
You can watch view the Emmy ceremony. You can also view the award winning “Cooking with Angus” episode .
The other nominees were “Dinner in Abruzzo: A Journey Home with My Culinary Godfather,” by The Detroit Free Press and “Behind Hockeyville” by the Detroit Red Wings.
“Cooking with Angus” also earned an Emmy for its “Mozzarella” episode in 2017, nominated in the Historic/Cultural program or special category.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.