Sixty-First Commencement
Class of 2026
Timothy Welch
Culinary Arts major
Timothy Lee Welch, Jr., known as "Chef Tastey," has always known his way around a kitchen. But it took a serious car accident, nearly two years of recovery, and a return to school to help him realize just how far that passion could take him.
He is a first-generation college student who grew up in Bed-Stuy and Coney Island. Work and other obstacles had delayed his education, but he was determined to return and earn a degree. “It was important to me because I wanted to make my family proud and prove to myself that I could accomplish my goals.”
Then life threw a monkey wrench in the plans.
Right before COVID-19, Timothy was involved in a car accident that left him unable to walk for 23 months.
"I refused to get discouraged," he said. "I stayed motivated by focusing on the things I love most: cooking and dancing."
With no way to physically practice either, Timothy did the next best thing. "I would visualize myself cooking meals, practicing recipes, and moving around a kitchen," he said. "I also imagined myself dancing, rehearsing routines and ballroom movements in my head. That mental practice kept me motivated and gave me something to look forward to."
Once he recovered, Timothy enrolled at Kingsborough, in part because of a trusted recommendation. "My best friend, who I consider a sister, attended Kingsborough and always spoke highly of the school," he said. "Her positive experiences encouraged me to take a chance on Kingsborough, and I am so glad I did."
His love of cooking started early. He recalls helping his mother make chicken, macaroni and cheese, and corn when he was about five years old. "I remember being excited to help and feeling proud that I contributed to the meal," he said. "Looking back, that experience sparked my love for cooking and showed me how food can bring people together."
He shared that he had always been a picky eater. “Cooking gave me the ability to control what I ate while also exploring new foods and flavors. Over time, I realized that I genuinely enjoy creating meals and learning about different cuisines. What motivates me the most is seeing the happiness food brings to people. Being able to make someone smile through a meal is one of the most rewarding parts of being a chef.”
That love eventually led to an internship at Fusion Bites BK, a Brooklyn restaurant he found through KCC's culinary job board. What started as an internship quickly became something more. Today, Timothy serves as both store manager and one of the head chefs.
"I started as an intern, but from the very beginning I approached the position with leadership qualities and a strong work ethic," he said. "My growth happened naturally because I consistently demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and the ability to lead others."
As store manager, Timothy handles opening and closing the restaurant, managing staff, overseeing daily operations, maintaining inventory, and ensuring food quality. As head chef, he oversees food preparation, trains kitchen staff, manages menu development, and makes sure every dish meets expectations.
He credits Kingsborough's curriculum — and one instructor in particular — with helping him get there. "Chef Marzuillo has been especially influential," Timothy said. "He is an amazing chef and mentor. When he sees potential in a student, he makes sure they stay on the right path."
Timothy is also deeply involved in the ballroom and voguing community, a passion that is personal as much as it is recreational. After losing a close friend and former partner at a young age, Timothy said he became more motivated than ever to keep moving forward. "I want to honor his memory and continue the legacy he was unable to finish," he said.
The culinary arts major is graduating this year with a 3.8 GPA. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International College Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success and has made the Dean's List twice.
He plans to transfer to City Tech to earn his bachelor's degree while continuing to grow in the culinary field and hopes his story will inspire other students who may be facing setbacks of their own.
"No matter what obstacles life puts in front of you, determination and hard work can help you overcome anything," he said. "I am proud of how far I have come and excited for what comes next."