Chef Spotlight Series to feature Chef Pam Dennis ‘17

“The Chef Spotlight Series is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our Hospitality, Baking & Pastry and Culinary graduates. Featuring Chef Pam Dennis as our culinary expert gives us a chance to showcase the success of our graduates, while also inspiring our current students to see the exciting possibilities that await them in these rewarding careers.” -- Mike Shiels, associate vice provost for Academic Affairs

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Monday, Sept. 17, 2026) – Waukesha County Technical College is excited to welcome alumna Chef Pam Dennis, founder of Chef Pam’s Kitchen, to campus on Monday, Oct. 5 at 5:45 p.m., for the College’s annual Chef Spotlight Series event.

A 2017 graduate of WCTC’s Culinary Management program and a retired captain in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, Dennis will bring her skill and passion for all things culinary to the College for an unforgettable dining experience. 

Dennis has curated an Italian-inspired menu for the spotlight event, An Evening Through the Regions of Italy, featuring a five-course meal that includes carefully selected wine pairings. Each course will celebrate the distinctive flavors, ingredients and traditions of a different region in Italy.

The evening meal includes: 

•  First Course | Lazio – Rome
  • Mortadella Meatball with Pistachio Pesto and Parmesan Tuile 
• Second Course | Tuscany 
  • Tuscan Panzanella Salad 
•  Third Course | Sicily 
  • Swordfish and Eggplant Tagliatelle
• Fourth Course | Lombardy 
  •  Osso Bucco with Gremolata & Parmesan Polenta 
• Fifth Course | Veneto 
  • Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu 

Students from WCTC’s Culinary Management, Hospitality Management as well as Baking & Pastry Management programs, along with WCTC faculty and staff, will be on hand at the event to help make it a memorable experience for guests.

The gourmet dinner will take place in the College’s training restaurant, The Classic Room, located on the second floor of Building A (Room B-161), on WCTC’s main Pewaukee campus. 

Cost is $120 per person with all event proceeds benefiting the WCTC Foundation’s Hospitality and Culinary Advised Fund, which directly supports quality programming and materials that help develop the skills of future industry professionals. 

“The Chef Spotlight Series is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our Hospitality, Baking & Pastry and Culinary graduates,” said Mike Shiels, associate vice provost for Academic Affairs “Featuring Chef Pam Dennis as our culinary expert gives us a chance to showcase the success of our graduates, while also inspiring our current students to see the exciting possibilities that await them in these rewarding careers.”

Seating for this fundraising event is limited; reserve your tickets now!