Faces of NLU: Meet Maher Alnammary
A Kendall College at National Louis University alumnus intends to become a pioneer in the Saudi Arabian culinary scene.
Maher Alnammary has always had a love of food and cooking, but the culinary arts weren’t his first choice of career. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Maher worked in the medical field for a number of years, as it was uncommon for people he knew to go into the culinary arts. Maher admits, “We do not have an established culinary scene and environment in Saudi Arabia yet.”
Eventually, though, Maher took the leap and enrolled at Kendall College at NLU as an international student. He says the location, the NLU staff, and recommendations are what convinced him to attend:
“Kendall was in my favorite city in the world, Chicago! When first contacting the school, everyone was so inviting and friendly, and the school had an amazingly diverse group of students and staff. [I had a] gut feeling and a sense of belonging even before my starting day [...] Also, it came from friends’ recommendations.”
Maher continued enjoying Chicago throughout his time at Kendall:
“My favorite activity was dining! Chicago is rich with culture and is an amazing place to go out and explore. So much to see, do and eat.”
Inside the classroom, Maher says the Kendall instructors taught him both foundational cooking techniques and the attitude needed to excel as a professional chef:
“Aside from the great instructors that had laid down a solid foundation, many showed me how a real chef carried themselves. It’s not only food knowledge, speed and precision. It’s so much more than I could describe in words…”
In addition to his Kendall coursework, Maher gained real-world experience interning at Elizabeth Restaurant and using his Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, where Maher says he learned to “work in a hardcore and fast-paced operation.” OPT is temporary employment that allows F-1 international students to work for up to 12 months in the United States upon graduation.
Now back in his home country, Maher says that he, and others in the field, are trying to change attitudes toward the culinary arts in Saudi Arabia:
“After returning to Saudi Arabia, I not only found obstacles in finding a job as a Saudi Arabian focused on European and Western cuisine, but also found resistance in our culture to the acceptance of locals stepping into the culinary arts. In just a few years this has changed drastically. Thanks to many Saudis other than myself pushing through to establish an environment where culinary passion can flourish.”
Maher intends to become a “pioneer” in the Saudi Arabian culinary scene. He says he’s already working on a “cultural and culinary book” with local chefs and is “participating in a few food place projects,” as well.
Maher encourages current Kendall students to enjoy the experience as much as they can:
“Soak in the experience, enjoy every minute there. Attending Kendall was, and will continue to be, one of my favorite experiences that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I really wish I could go back and do it all over again.”
Interested in culinary and hospitality programs at Kendall College? You can contact an Enrollment Specialist online or by calling (888) 658-8632 to discuss your professional and educational goals.
