The Cook & Chef Institute foundation has signed a partnership agreement with USMA (Universidad Católica Santa María la Antigua) in Panama, both institutions seek to create perfect synergy within the framework of gastronomy and nutrition.
Legislative Decree No. 16 (11 July 1963) – to enable private higher education in Panama – was debated and passed as a consequence of the initiative of a group of citizens from various sectors, led by Father Benjamin Ayechu. The Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) was the first of this type of establishment to be founded (27 May 1965), and was housed in the former Archbishop's Palace, in the Old City.
The institution received its name in homage to the Marian Devotions which brought about the founding of the first diocese on the mainland in 1513. Father Ayechu, of the Order of the Augustinian Recollects, was its first Chancellor, being appointed by Msgr. Tomás Clavel, Archbishop of Panama, before becoming the first Grand Chancellor of the USMA.
Through Resolution No. 5, dated 1 August 2012, the National Panamanian University Accreditation and Assessment Body (CONEAUPA) declared the USMA to be accredited under the strict requirements currently governing education in the country.
In sync with modern times, while remaining faithful to the principles of its founding fathers, the USMA performs its mission through six faculties:
- Business
- Architecture & Design
- Engineering & Technology
- Social Sciences
- Law & Political Sciences
- Humanities & Theology
Thus, it offers a wide range of possibilities for academic growth through diplomas, postgraduate courses, Master's degrees and doctoral studies. These have been run under the aegis of the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies since 1999, in conjunction with other teaching and learning establishments and a variety of university exchange programmes.
The agreement signed by the two organisations formalizes the pursuit of training, research and information exchange activities that will help enhance the education of future generations of cooks. In addition, Bergner will furnish the kitchen at the school with a variety of products, while The Panama International Hotel School will participate in the testing of products by lecturers, chefs and students.
El convenio firmado entre ambas empresas hace oficial la práctica de actividades de formación, investigación e intercambio de experiencias que contribuyan a fortalecer la formación de las nuevas generaciones de cocineros. Además, Bergner equipará la cocina de la escuela con una selección de productos y, por su parte, The Panama International Hotel School contribuirá en el testeo del producto por parte de profesores y chefs y alumnos.