The National Center for Hospitality Studies (NCHS) at Sullivan University in Louisville, Ky., honored Hiroshi Noguchi, CEC, AAC, with the prestigious Distinguished Visiting Chef Award on February 24. Noguchi presented cooking demonstrations for students and faculty before the award presentation.

Noguchi directed all food operations at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld for more than 12 years and also worked at top hotels in Tokyo, Chicago and Atlanta. In addition to specializing in French and Asian cuisines, Noguchi has mastered the art of ice carving and has received several national and international awards for his work. He is a motivational speaker on culinary skills and has appeared on CBS Evening News, Nickelodeon and in Travelhost magazine. He is a member of several prestigious culinary organizations, including the American Culinary Federation and the Honorable Order of the Golden Toque.

Sullivan University’s Distinguished Visiting Chef series began in 1988 and is an inventive culinary-inspired education program designed to connect students with today's top chefs. Noguchi is the 39th recipient of the Distinguished Visiting Chef honor. Other chefs to receive this award include Bob Kinkead, Emeril Lagasse, Louis Osteen, Rick Tramonto and Marcel Desaulniers.