Summer is heating up, and so are the charcoal grills at the University of St. Thomas-Houston for the 2nd annual Grill Master Competition, sponsored by the Pragmatic Studies Program, on Friday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the Campus Life Mall.  

The larger Houston community is encouraged to attend and enjoy the delicious food, wonderful people and lively entertainment. So, join the fun and fill your stomachs with good eats while you contribute toward a fantastic scholarship fund for Pragmatic Studies. Tickets are $25 for this yummy event. 

This fun, hands-on event is part of the first annual Pragmatic Studies Summer Camp for 25 prospective students. The Pragmatic Studies Program, housed in The Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies, is designed for students who have learning differences that interfere with their success in traditional school environments. The program offers the opportunity to earn an associate degree in applied science to students who are too high functioning for vocational programs but need more support than is found in the traditional college curriculum. 

Cheer on the Competing Teams of Student Cooks

As for the cooks—Pragmatic Studies students, under the direction of a Professional Chef, will split into several two-person grilling teams with fun, fierce names. All will be wielding their tongs and working with rubs to rib racks. 

Pragmatic Studies Program Chair Dr. Tera Torres explained, “Experiential learning is the process of learning by doing, and in this particular course, students engage in many activities. They create vision boards, set personal goals, and go to area communities with first responders.”

Dr. Torres added, “The Grill Master Competition is a natural extension of the servant role we are all called to embrace. Students are learning valuable life skills and serving the community at large at the same time. The learning outcomes associated with this competition are more valuable than anything learned in a traditional classroom. I mean, how much more fun can learning be!”

What These Student Grill Chefs Need to Know

For several days leading up to the exciting competition, the professional chef will hold workshops for the students to share their love, passion and creativity for cooking.

The chef starts with basics and moves forward. Students learn about hot grills and working safely with the associated tools. They also know about the different woods they will be using in the fire, and which ones to mix to create incredible flavor. Instructions include the seasonings they can grow in their backyards; fruits used for curing and caramelizing; and how to pair the entrée with side dishes to help with digestion.

Student chefs will get an essential taste of working correctly and safely as a team.

Good Eats on the Menu

You will no doubt be ravenous when you see and smell the savory meats and vegetables. There will be abundant entertainment too. Special thanks to event planner, Britney Hughes, with EZ Event Planning for providing the bouncy houses.

In addition, Food Truck Roma Norte will also be part of the fun.

Companies Making It Possible

Amazing donors make this fantastic event possible with their generosity. For instance, the Professional Chef is giving his/her considerable time and talent. Dr. Kurt Huett will donate all of the food and prizes.

Tickets & Parking

Purchase tickets at the event or online here. Please select Annual Scholarships and then Pragmatic Studies Scholarships in the designated drop-down menus.

Grill-fest lovers may park free on the streets around campus or inside the Moran Parking Garage. Garage parking is $10.