Oct. 21, 2020, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Businessman, ambassador and philanthropist Peter Secchia was a staunch supporter of higher education, and was well-known for his love of great cooking. At Grand Rapids Community College, he found a place to combine both passions.
Mr. Secchia, who passed away Wednesday at the age of 83, generously supported GRCC’s culinary programs through the years. The Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is known internationally for attracting top faculty members and preparing students for rewarding careers in the hospitality industry.
“Peter Secchia understood the importance of supporting his community, and how a community college education can transform a person’s life – and, in turn, make that community stronger,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “With his support, our culinary students have become among the best in the field, working around the globe and right here in West Michigan.”
GRCC’s culinary program was renamed after Mr. Secchia and his wife, Joan, in 2007. The state-of-the-art Pietro and Regina Amphitheater, named after his grandparents, was added in 2012. The 54-seat facility is used for teaching, cooking demonstrations and special events.
"My grandparents were just wonderful people," Mr. Secchia said at the unveiling of the amphitheater. "I am very proud of all of these students and really honored to be celebrating that Pietro and Regina are still alive and their spirit is in this room."
Peter’s Pub, named for Mr. Secchia, was launched in 2016 as part of GRCC’s Fountain Hill Brewery, tapping into the demand created by Grand Rapids’ growing craft beer industry.
Secchia Institute for Culinary Education programs are housed in the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center at 151 Fountain St. NE, and also include the Heritage Restaurant and Art & Bev’s restaurant.
“This is a tremendous loss for West Michigan.,” said Chef Werner Absenger, Secchia Institute director. “In large part, the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is a world-class culinary school because of Mr. Secchia's generosity and contagious drive for excellence. Mr. Secchia always wanted to make sure our students had the tools necessary to become successful hospitality industry leaders. His spirit and drive for excellence will be sorely missed. Our most heartfelt sympathy goes to Mr. Secchia's family and friends."
Mr. Secchia’s family also supported the installation of a statue of Helen Claytor on GRCC’s Juan Olivarez Student Plaza in 2014 as part of the Grand Rapids Community Legends project. Claytor was a civil rights activist and the first African-American president of the national YWCA.
“Peter Secchia touched so many lives throughout West Michigan,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “He believed our students capable of great things and worked to make sure they had the support they needed to achieve them.”
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.