The Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) has named The Telford Inn in Mantua, N.J., as its 2025 Business Partner of the Year. For more than a decade, The Telford Inn has played a vital role in supporting GCIT’s Culinary Arts Department by hiring students, offering hands-on industry experience, and helping young culinary professionals grow in the field.
One example of this impact is GCIT alumnus Sean Follis, who began his career at The Telford Inn as a line cook. Today, he serves as the restaurant’s general manager, a testament to the long-term opportunities created through this partnership. Follis’s success story illustrates how this relationship between GCIT and The Telford Inn is so meaningful: students are welcomed, mentored, and encouraged to build lasting careers.
This partnership took shape over time to become a trusted, reciprocal relationship. What began as instructors recommending the Telford Inn as a supportive workplace has grown into the restaurant actively seeking out GCIT students because of their technical skills, professionalism, and readiness for the industry. The Telford Inn’s leadership and staff also contribute to the Culinary Arts program through advisory participation, competition judging, and event support, strengthening the connection between GCIT’s classrooms and the regional hospitality industry.
The Telford Inn is also a consistent supporter of GCIT’s chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), donating food, raffle baskets, and time to help student events succeed. Team members frequently serve as judges for culinary competitions, and the restaurant has sponsored GCIT’s annual Food Festival multiple times, offering more than 400 complimentary portions for attendees. Through these efforts, The Telford Inn has positively impacted hundreds of students over the past decade.
“As a proud GCIT alumnus, The Telford Inn and Sean Follis consistently go above and beyond for GCIT’s Culinary Arts Department,” said Culinary Arts teacher Liz Mizia. “Sean volunteers as a judge for several of our competitions throughout the year, serves on our advisory board, contributes generously to our raffle baskets, and recently donated more than $200 in gift cards for our Food Festival. Sean is always asking how he can further support our students and programs.”
“One of our greatest joys at the Telford Inn is watching GCIT students grow from beginners to leaders. GCIT equips them with training, attitude, and a willingness to learn that makes them invaluable to our operation,” emphasized Follis.
