FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Las Vegas, NV – On July 31, 2025, Navajo Technical University’s Culinary Arts Program and Chef Robert L. Witte were named finalists for the Western Region. The American Culinary Federation (ACF) recognizes outstanding member achievements, making this a significant honor.
Chef Witte, along with colleagues Chef Brian Tatsukawa, Chef Sheila Begay, Chef Lorencita Billiman, Chef Melvina Jones, and Chef Walter Cloud, was honored at the President’s Gala during the 2025 ACF National Convention at Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, where the national winner was announced.
Certified Sous Chef (CSC) and Certified Working Pastry Chef (CWPC), Chef Walter Cloud from Coolidge, New Mexico, received the 2025 Cutting-Edge Award, which recognizes a chef’s leadership and service to the culinary field. This award highlights exceptional chefs who serve the culinary industry by staying current with trends, volunteering their time, and mentoring others. It’s a prestigious acknowledgment from the ACF, celebrated at national and regional conferences.
Chef Cloud expressed, “I was highly honored to be nominated for this year’s cutting-edge award. None of it would have been possible without the guidance of Chef Bob and Chef Brian, as well as the support from Chef Melvina, Chef Lorena, Chef Sheila, Chef Cita, and my family for their continued support in all my endeavors, alongside Chef Brian Tatsukawa, who is also a recipient back in 2022.”
Chef Tatsukawa and Chef Witte founded the Four Corners Chapter of the ACF. They created a website to help passionate chefs share ideas, document recipes, plan activities, and seek employment in the area. Membership is open through an application process with varying fees, and members are categorized based on their professional or student status.
“The award is meaningful because it recognizes the Four Corners region and highlights local community efforts like catering. We were all excited—initially, we knew about the AFC West Regional but not the national level. It was special to see Chef Bob accept the award and share this achievement with us. We are focusing on continuing education for our students,” Chef Brian said.
2025 ACF National Competitions:
- ACF Small Chapter of the Year Award: ACF Four Corners Chapter
- Western Region Small Chapter of the Year Award: ACF Four Corners Chapter
The Chapter of the Year Award celebrates chapters that pursue excellence in all aspects of chapter life, actively serving their members and communities while supporting ACF’s initiatives. Congratulations to all the winners of the National Awards and Culinary Competitions.
Congratulations, Chefs, on an exemplary achievement in your career! Go Skyhawks!
For more information, contact:
Robert Witte, Master Technical Instructor/Culinary Arts, Hospitality, and Food Services Coordinator
E: rwitte@navajotech.edu
P: (505) 387-7384
Chef Brian Tatsukawa, NTU Culinary Instructor
E: btatsukawa@navajotech.edu
P: (505) 387-7413
Walter Cloud, NTU Technical Instructor of Baking (Pastry)
E: wcloud@navajotech.edu
Dale Morgan, Communications Specialist
E: dmorgan@navajotech.edu