President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. meets successful alumni everywhere she goes; a brief stop at the West Farms Mall for lunch is no exception.  BRIO, Tuscan Grille is a lively, upscale restaurant where NVCC Alumnus, Michael Spinella is a sous chef who is in line to train for the next position. Michael is a 2013 graduate of the Hospitality Management program with degrees in Food Service and Hotel Management, and a Certificate in Culinary Arts at Naugatuck Valley Community College where he learned the professional skills that help him to succeed at BRIO. The chance lunchtime meeting between President De Filippis and the sous chef, Michael Spinella gave them a chance to remember fondly his days at NVCC.

“It did my heart some good to see what fond memories he has of the college, and how he wants to show it,” said President De Filippis. Karen Rotella, Program Coordinator in Hospitality Management remembered Michael as a student who “was always focused on his goal of becoming a chef. He was our Naugatuck Valley Community College Events Management Club president, and he worked tirelessly to create and refine his craft. It is so gratifying to see Michael succeed in his chosen field, knowing he will achieve his dream.”

The Marketing Team at NVCC remembered Michael for his generous support of the College’s marketing messages which he demonstrated by his willingness to appear in marketing materials and especially on the sides of the bus throughout the city.

We caught up with Michael to ask him about his career path at BRIO. “The goal at BRIO is to provide an outstanding dining experience for each guest, each meal, each and every day. In order to execute this goal they need to have great people in place. This makes BRIO a great place to work. I have a solid foundation and great memories from my days at Naugatuck Valley. I am in a place where hard work and passion can lead to a lifetime career.”