Royal Oak, MI — Baker College once again brings the buzz as a sponsor of the Michigan Lottery Arts, Beats & Eats presented by Flagstar Bank. Students from The Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM), a division of Baker College, will showcase their award-winning talent with exclusive food and drink creations available only at the festival.
Festivalgoers will enjoy the Summer Breeze cocktail, a refreshing blend of fresh mint, sweet strawberry purée, Tito’s vodka, and Squirt, crafted by CIM student Griffin Kershaw. At Rosita’s on Washington, culinary student Ana Granado will feature her authentic Arepa con Huevo—a handmade corn arepa, deep-fried and filled with seasoned ground beef and a freshly cracked egg. Meanwhile, Micah Lee will serve up a savory Chicken Shawarma Sandwich at Shawarma Stop To Go, made with spiced roasted chicken, fresh veggies, and a choice of garlic or tahini sauce.
In addition to highlighting student innovation, the partnership will carry a deeper purpose: a portion of proceeds will benefit Open Hands Pantry, continuing a tradition that raised nearly $5,000 last year. The collaboration will not only enrich the community but also provide CIM students with invaluable hands-on experience to build their skills, confidence, and future career readiness.
“At Baker College, student success is at the heart of everything we do,” said Kelley Suggs, Public Relations Manager at Baker College. “Arts, Beats & Eats gives our Culinary Institute of Michigan students the opportunity to showcase their creativity, gain hands-on experience, and build confidence as they prepare for their future careers. We’re proud to support an event that highlights their talents while making a meaningful impact in the community.”
With its flagship campus in Royal Oak, Baker College remains committed to being active in the community by showcasing educational opportunities—including non-credit courses and certificate programs—while demonstrating its ongoing dedication to partnership, innovation, and flavor. These initiatives reflect Baker College’s larger strategic vision of expanding access to education, supporting lifelong learning, and building strong connections between education and industry.
Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on six campuses across Michigan and online. Founded in 1911, the institution’s mission is to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience, driven by a student-first philosophy. Learn more at baker.edu and follow on X, Meta, and Instagram.
The Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM), a division of Baker College, is one of four US institutions to earn the “Recognition of Quality Culinary Education” designation from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies. The Baking and Pastry, Food and Beverage, and Culinary Arts programs in Port Huron and Muskegon are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC).