DCTC Rotaract Club holds popular annual event
Rotaract Club at Dakota County Technical College held the 13th Annual Chili Cook-Off Thursday, April 18, 2024, in the Central Commons on the college’s campus in Rosemount, Minnesota. Twenty-nine chili recipe samples were featured for tasting by attendees.
Brett Kolles, English faculty and Rotaract faculty co-advisor, reported that the Chili Cook-Off winners by popular vote are Jesse Boots, Electrical Lineworker faculty, with his entry “Lineman’s Delight,” and Torry Jeranek, HVAC & Refrigeration Technology faculty, with his entry “ReconCHILIation.” Jesse and Torry will each receive a customized Chili Cook-Off apron.
Brett added that this year’s turnout was the biggest ever. “We had just over two hundred attendees, including students, staff, faculty, alumni, and visiting Rotarians from various local Rotary clubs,” he said. “Many people tell me $4 is too cheap for admission, and we should raise our price. I disagree. I want to maximize the number of students who attend the event. Generous patrons often donate additionally.”
All proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off support Rotaract Club monthly community service projects, including Loaves and Fishes, Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity, and many others. Covering the costs of events for students helps the college’s Rotaract Club grow.
“Our Chili Cook-Off began on Thursday, April 19, 2012,” Brett said. “The event was originally held in the Student Life Center, but after several years of popularity and growth, we outgrew that location and moved into the commons area to accommodate more students, staff, faculty, guests, and, of course, chili varieties.”
Brett gave a huge shoutout to HVAC and the college’s Veterans Club for providing help with ice for the coolers and Central Commons Area cleanup.
“We were pleased to see Rosemount Mayor Jeff Weisensel at our Chili Cook Off,” he said. “The talent of Dr. Harold Torrence, DCTC business faculty, is very much appreciated. His music imbues a festive, community culture vibe.”
13th Annual Chili Cook-Off gallery
View more event photos by visiting the DCTC Flickr album:
13th Annual Chili Cook-Off Spring 2024
Top eight chili recipe entrees following Jesse and Torry’s:
- Cheryl Brogger: “Band of Beans”
- Heath Baumgard: “Hens Solo”
- Todd Miller: “Firehouse Delight”
- Todd Jagerson: “Spicy Texas Red (with beans)”
- TJ McCann: “Flamethrower Chili”
- Jeremy Clark: “Smokey J’s”
- Stacy Brumbaugh-Johnson: “Hearty Homestyle Chili”
- Stephen Engel: “Homerun Chili”
More about Rotaract Club at DCTC…
Rotaract is a club for students that volunteer as a team, plan activities and projects, motivate, inspire, and socialize. Rotaract is a division of Rotary International.
Rotaract’s core goals are to serve the community, create professional development opportunities for students, network with our Rotary Clubs by inviting speakers and mentors, and be part of an international network of young leaders, and, most importantly, have fun!
Visit the Rotaract Club blog
LEARN MORE…
Learn more about the annual Chili Cook-Off and Rotaract Club at DCTC by contacting:
Brett Kolles
English Faculty
Rotaract Club Faculty Co-Advisor
Dakota County Technical College
brett.kolles@dctc.edu
651-423-8395
Jill Frahm
History Faculty
Rotaract Club Faculty Co-Advisor
Dakota County Technical College
jill.frahm@dctc.edu
651-423-8572