, ,

STU’s Bruce Ozga Named 2025 “Chapter Chef of the Year” by the American Culinary Federation Miami Chapter

Bruce Ozga presenting on stage.

Bruce Ozga receives award.

By Bruno Diaz

STU is proud to share that Bruce Ozga, M.Ed., CEC, CCE, CHE, AAC, Director of Professional and Continuing Studies, has been named the 2025 “Chapter Chef of the Year” by the American Culinary Federation Miami Chapter. The award was presented by Chapter President Chef Thomas Russo, CEC, Emeritus.

This honor recognizes Ozga for the qualities that define his career: leadership, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping others grow. His work mentoring rising culinarians, promoting industry certifications, and supporting the professional advancement of chapter members played a major role in his selection.

Ozga holds two key leadership positions with the ACF Miami Chapter. He serves as Chairman of the Board and as Certification Chair, roles that reflect both his expertise and the trust his peers place in him.

He also brings impressive credentials to his work at STU. Bruce is a Certified Executive Chef and Certified Culinary Educator through the American Culinary Federation. He is a Certified Hospitality Educator through the Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, and a member of the American Academy of Chefs. His academic background includes an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor’s Degree in Foodservice Management from Johnson and Wales University, along with a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University.

Ozga is active across the wider hospitality community. He serves as Culinaire for the Miami Chapter of the Chaine des Rotisseurs and as an at-large board member of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation.

Throughout his career, Chef Ozga has been recognized many times for his impact on the profession. He has earned the Chapter Chef of the Year award three times, the Chapter Chef Educator of the Year, the Southeast Region Chef Educator of the Year, and a Presidential Medallion from the Colorado Culinarians for his contributions to the American Culinary Federation and to culinary education.

St. Thomas University congratulates Bruce on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates his ongoing work to elevate the culinary field in South Florida and beyond.