President’s Lecture Series: Jeff Henderson Shares his Path from Prison to Celebrity Chef
October 02, 2014
Jeff Henderson
Jeff Henderson escaped a life of crime in California by feeding his hungry heart.
Henderson, an award-winning chef, motivational speaker, New York Times bestselling author and Food Network personality, will deliver the President's Lecture Series address at Old Dominion University on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
The lecture is being presented as part of Old Dominion University's 37th annual Literary which has a theme this year of "The Hungry Heart is Telling You" and includes a series of gastronomic-themed speakers, readings and discussions October 6-10.
Henderson will speak at 7:30 p.m. in the North Café of ODU's Webb University Center; a book signing will be held following the lecture. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged. To register, click HERE and use event code LCJ14.
To arrive where he is today, Henderson had to survive the tough streets of central Los Angeles and San Diego.
By the time Henderson was 19, he was running a $35,000 a week drug operation. At 24, he was arrested and sent to prison for 10 years. It was while incarcerated that he discovered a passion for cooking and committed himself to turning his life around.
After spending nearly a decade behind bars and having no formal education, Henderson struggled for years in the hospitality industry. But, with persistence and determination, he achieved his dreams, eventually becoming the executive chef of Café Bellagio in Las Vegas.
His story was first told in the New York Times best-selling memoir, "Cooked: My Journey from the Streets to the Stove." In his newest book, "If You Can See It, You Can Be It," released in November 2013, Henderson's table overflows with a mission to put tomorrow's inspirational heroes and heroines from all backgrounds on a direct path to realizing their dreams.
His newest television show, "Family Style with Chef Jeff," demonstrates how good choices in the kitchen can lead to a life changing experience for the whole family. Henderson formerly was a host on "Beat the Chefs," which premiered in late summer, 2012, on the Game Show Network.
Old Dominion University's President's Lecture Series brings to campus speakers who share their knowledge, experiences, opinions and accomplishments about important topics of the day. The ODU President's Lecture Series speeches are free and open to the public, and have previously included addresses by scientists, writers, educators, historians and Pulitzer Prize winners.