Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — Santa Clarita Community College District and College of the Canyons officials joined members of the Cusumano family Thursday to formally dedicate the Institute for Culinary Education building in honor of late philanthropist Diana Cusumano.
The ceremony marked the official unveiling of the facility’s new name — The Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Building — recognizing Diana Cusumano’s leadership in fundraising efforts that helped bring the Institute for Culinary Education, known as iCUE, to life.
College leaders said the culinary program is designed to provide students pursuing careers as chefs, bakers and sommeliers with the hands-on training and resources needed to succeed in the food service industry.
Gary Cusumano made a $1 million donation to the college following his wife’s death in April 2025. The contribution, made in her memory, stands as the single largest gift ever received by the college’s foundation.
According to college officials, the donation established both the Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Endowed Program Fund and the Cusumano Family and Friends Endowed Scholarship Fund, which are expected to support students and enhance program resources for years to come.
The dedication ceremony celebrated Diana Cusumano’s legacy as an educator, artist and philanthropist whose work played a key role in developing the culinary education center now bearing her name.
Canyons News is a student-produced news agency on the campus of College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif. Watch our live shows, breaking, local and campus news daily.
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — Santa Clarita Community College District and College of the Canyons officials joined members of the Cusumano family Thursday to formally dedicate the Institute for Culinary Education building in honor of late philanthropist Diana Cusumano.
The ceremony marked the official unveiling of the facility’s new name — The Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Building — recognizing Diana Cusumano’s leadership in fundraising efforts that helped bring the Institute for Culinary Education, known as iCUE, to life.
College leaders said the culinary program is designed to provide students pursuing careers as chefs, bakers and sommeliers with the hands-on training and resources needed to succeed in the food service industry.
Gary Cusumano made a $1 million donation to the college following his wife’s death in April 2025. The contribution, made in her memory, stands as the single largest gift ever received by the college’s foundation.
According to college officials, the donation established both the Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Endowed Program Fund and the Cusumano Family and Friends Endowed Scholarship Fund, which are expected to support students and enhance program resources for years to come.
The dedication ceremony celebrated Diana Cusumano’s legacy as an educator, artist and philanthropist whose work played a key role in developing the culinary education center now bearing her name.
Canyons News is a student-produced news agency on the campus of College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif. Watch our live shows, breaking, local and campus news daily.
