It is with great excitement that we announce Chef José Andrés as the speaker for the Friedman School’s 2018 commencement, and recipient of an honorary degree from Tufts University (an honorary Doctor of Public Service). Named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People,” awarded “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation, José Andrés is an internationally-recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, television personality, humanitarian and chef/owner of ThinkFoodGroup. A pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States, he is also known for his groundbreaking avant-garde cuisine and his award-winning group of 28 restaurants plus a food truck located throughout the country and in Mexico City. José is the only chef globally that has both a two-star Michelin restaurant and four Bib Gourmands.
To date, Andrés and World Central Kitchen, along with #ChefsForPuertoRico, have served over 3.3 million meals to the people of Puerto Rico following the devastating Hurricane Maria.
His award-winning restaurants include two Michelin-starred minibars by José Andrés, Jaleo, Zaytinya, J by José Andrés at W Mexico City, Bazaar Meat at SLS Las Vegas, the Bazaar by José Andrés at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills and South Beach, and Beefsteak, his vegetable-driven fast casual concept. Andrés is a committed advocate of food and hunger issues and is known for championing the role of chefs in the national debate on food policy.
In 2012, Andrés formed World Central Kitchen, a non-profit that provides smart solutions to hunger and poverty by using the power of food to empower communities and strengthen economies. To date, Andrés and World Central Kitchen, along with #ChefsForPuertoRico, have served over 3.3 million meals to the people of Puerto Rico following the devastating Hurricane Maria.
Andrés’ work has earned awards and distinctions including the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from International Association of Culinary Professionals and the 2015 National Humanities Medal, one of twelve distinguished recipients of the award from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Andrés was also named EY Master Entrepreneur of the Year in Greater Washington for his leadership and impact on the global business community and was also awarded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s Chair’s Medallion Award.
On behalf of the Friedman School, we welcome Chef José Andrés!
Need to know more about the day's activities? Check with the Office of Student Affairs at Friedman or visit the Tufts University commencement event site for more details.