Alumni Showcase - Stephen Mead
After decades in manufacturing, Steve Mead was looking for a change. Turning to Tompkins Cortland, he set about reinventing himself through education with the support of the Pathways Scholarship program for adult students. What he was looking for beyond an upgrade to his technical skill set was the business acumen to begin building toward self-employment. Part of the first class to complete coursework at the brand new Coltivare Culinary Center in 2014, he got more than he bargained for including being part of the ground-up growth of a new enterprise. Hired on to join the center's professional staff just before graduating with honors in May 2016, Steve has been with Coltivare ever since. A steady presence and strong role model to students, he is an essential ingredient in the execution of event catering at the venue. Should he ever leave to pursue that ultimate dream of entrepreneurship, he will be sorely missed.