The ITHQ Awards an Honorary Diploma to Josée di Stasio
Montreal, November 11, 2025 – The Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) held its Graduation Ceremony yesterday at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. In addition to celebrating its newest graduates, the renowned hospitality school paid tribute to Josée di Stasio by awarding her an honorary diploma (honoris causa), highlighting her exceptional contribution to Quebec’s gastronomic heritage.
Cooking and sharing elevated to a culture
Born to an Italian father and a Quebec mother, Josée di Stasio grew up in an environment where cultural blending and the richness of diversity were celebrated. Curious, eclectic, and inspired, she has combined her passion for cooking, styling, and photography to create a creative universe and a signature that is both unique and iconic.
In 2002, her show À la di Stasio revolutionized culinary television, both through the quality of its content and its unprecedented aesthetic approach. With her thirst for knowledge, her ability to make cooking accessible, and her appetite for people and diverse flavors, she won the hearts of Quebecers and the French alike. This success is reflected in the many Gémeaux awards she has received over the years.
Author of seven cookbook bestsellers, with her very first still holding the title of the best-selling cookbook in Quebec with over 250,000 copies, she has also distinguished herself internationally, notably winning five Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.
But beyond awards and distinctions, it is the mission she has embraced that resonates with that of the ITHQ: celebrating the richness of our culinary culture, ensuring the transmission of know-how, and showcasing the work of local artisans and producers.
The ITHQ is proud to count Josée di Stasio, who has profoundly transformed the relationship Quebecers have with their gastronomy, among the recipients of an honorary diploma.
ITHQ Honorary Diplomas
Each year, the ITHQ awards honorary diplomas to individuals from a variety of sectors who play a key role in the evolution of the tourism, hospitality, and restaurant industries. These individuals embody leadership, creativity, and excellence, values the ITHQ strives every day to instill in its students.
Photo: From left to right: Stéphanie Lepage, Vice-Chair of the ITHQ Board of Directors; Josée di Stasio, recipient of an honorary diploma; and Liza Frulla, Director General of ITHQ
Photo credit: Sophie Doyon
About the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec
For over 50 years, the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) has been Canada’s reference for specialized training in tourism, hospitality, restaurant management, and sommellerie. Meeting the highest industry standards, it is the only school in the country to offer programs at all three levels of education (professional, technical, and university). Equipped with unique facilities, including a teaching hotel, two training restaurants, and a bar, it also hosts two research units (GastronomiQc Lab and ExperiSens) and a center of expertise. In addition to its diploma programs, ITHQ offers professional training, services for businesses and institutions, as well as public workshops (SAQ Workshops by ITHQ).
Source:
Ophélie Simoncelli
Communications and Public Relations Manager, ITHQ
