Executive chef stays the course, earns City Tech degree after seven years

(photo by Alberto Vargas)

Feliberto (Fili) Estevez, executive chef at New York's historic Gracie Mansion, was one of more than 1,000 graduating seniors who participated in New York City College of Technology's 69th commencement, held June 1 at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Balancing his education and professional life, Estevez--pictured here with with his professor and mentor Lynda Dias (hospitality management)--graduated seven years after first enrolling at the college.

Estevez, whose mother flew up from the Dominican Republic to attend his graduation, was awarded an associate degree. He plans to continue his studies in pursuit of his bachelor's degree and would eventually like to become a teacher himself.