On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Dr. Aspinwall, Chancellor at SOWELA Technical Community College, celebrated its new Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality Center (3841 Senator J. Bennett Johnson Avenue!) In attendance at this historic event was Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, Mayor Nic Hunter, LA Commissioner of Higher  Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, and Judge Gene Thibideaux with the LA Community and Technical Colleges Facilities Corporation, which manages and owns the new center.

The Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality Center will be a beacon in leading education, promoting talent and skills development in the state and Southwest Louisiana's biggest industries. Below is more information and footage of the Tuesday afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony of the state-of-the-art facility in Lake Charles.

To see the brand new Culinary, Gaming, and Hospitality Center and take a tour! Save the date and come out to Taste of SOWELA. event is open to the community on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 5:30 PM. Visitors can eat samples of delicious cuisine prepared by SOWELA’s Culinary Arts students.

Enjoy live music, a raffle, a wine pull, a photo booth, and much more! Individual tickets are $125, and sponsorship opportunities are available for purchase. See sponsorship levels below:

Platinum Sponsor — $10,000
(12) tickets, reserved table, and logo/name on all tasting station signs
Recognition on event presentation, print media, annual report, website, social media, and all event sponsor signage.

Gold Sponsor — $5,000
(10) tickets and a reserved table
Recognition on event presentation, in print media, annual report, website, social media, and all event sponsor signage.

Silver Sponsor — $2,500
(8) tickets
Recognition on event presentation, annual report, and all event sponsor signage.

Bronze Sponsor — $1,000
(6) tickets
Recognition on event presentation, annual report, and all event sponsor signage.

All proceeds support scholarships for our deserving students. For more information, contact Nicole Rasco, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, at (337) 421-6903 or nicole.rasco@sowela.edu.

Don't miss the Flying Tiger Fest as SOWELA welcomes prospective students and families on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. This community event will be held at the Sycamore Student Center (3824 Senator J. Bennett Johnston Ave.)

Tour the campus and meet SOWELA instructors, complete an application, speak with a financial aid representative about scholarships, and complete your FAFSA.
Visit with the various SOWELA student organizations and club representatives. There will be great food, giveaways, live music, and activities for kids sponsored by The Children’s Museum of SWLA.

For more details, don't hesitate to contact SOWELA One Stop at onestop@sowela.edu or call (337) 421-6550. Last but not least, if you live in the Jennings area, check out this event at the end of the month!

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