Fund-Raiser for William C. Butler Visiting Lecture Series Set

A "Food Extravaganza"featuring signature dishes from regional restaurant sponsors will be held Sunday, Sept. 7, at Pennsylvania College of Technology to raise funds for the William C. Butler Visiting Lecture Series.

For the event, which will be held from 3 to 6:30 p.m., tasting stations will be available in Le Jeune Chef restaurant and the adjacent Susquehanna Room dining hall in the Hager Lifelong Education Center on the College's main campus in Williamsport. Admission is $35.

Butler, who died Dec. 29, had been the dean of the School of Hospitality at Penn College since 1994, steering the school through three industry accreditations and leading the effort to put into place world-class facliities, equipment and curricula.

His support helped to ensure the success of educational projects at the Kentucky Derby and Finger Lakes Wine Festival, as well as the College's award-winning public television cooking series, "You're the Chef," and the Distinguished Visiting Chef Series program. Under Butler's guidance, the School of Hospitality earned prestigious honors from Wine Spectator, the American Culinary Federation and the Dietary Managers Association.

The goal of the William C. Butler Lecture Series is to have renowned executive chefs, pastry chefs and hospitality managers conduct presentations and lectures each semester for School of Hospitality students, faculty, staff and alumni, said Frederick W. Becker, dean of hospitality at the College. Veronica M. Muzic, vice president for academic affairs and provost, said the lecture series will serve as a fitting memorial to Butler's legacy.

"Bill Butler's impeccable taste, professionalism, commitment to the industry and passionate approach to his work shaped the School of Hospitality and established Le Jeune Chef as a second-to-none student laboratory," Muzic said. "When we see the Hospitality students on their way to class in their 'chef-ing' attire; when we dine in Le Jeune Chef; or when we bid on chocolate houses, visit the 'bakery,' hear about internships and graduate successes, or attend events catered by the professional and student staff, we see the enduring Butler influence. The lecture series will stand as an everlasting reminder of his contributions to the College, to his School, to his colleagues and to the students."

Restaurant sponsors participating in the event include The Victorian Lady, Lewisburg, appetizers; Franco's Lounge Restaurant & Music Club, Williamsport, 33 East, Williamsport, and DiSalvo's Cafe, Williamsport, entrees; Elizabeth's American Bistro, Lewisburg, dessert; and Southern Wine & Spirits, beverages.

For more information, or to make reservations, call the Special Events Office at the College at (570) 320-5229.

For more information about the School of Hospitality, call (570) 327-4505, send e-mail or visit on the Web.