SPA is bringing everything but the kitchen sink to Penn State as Alton Brown will be part of this year’s Distinguished Speaker Series, coming to Eisenhower Auditorium on September 28th. Brown studied culinary arts at the New England Culinary Institute, and soon after, began taping “Good Eats,” which first aired on Chicago’s PBS affiliate before being picked up by the Food Network. He gained renown and attention for his unique ability to both educate and humor his audience through his antics on the show–think of him as the Bill Nye of cooking. In addition, he provided a historical perspective of the foods and ingredients he features in each episode. “Good Eats” will finish this season as its last, after an impressive 13-year run.

Aside from “Good Eats,” Brown is also the host of Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and of “The Next Iron Chef.” In addition to his television career, Brown has authored six books focused on kitchen gear, baking and cooking. His book “I’m Just Here for More Food” is a New York Times Best Seller. Earlier this year, Brown was given the prestigious James Beard Award for his work as a TV Food Personality. Pretty distinguished, indeed.

Free tickets for the first event from SPA’s Lecture Distinguished Speaker Series will be distributed to the student body on September 14 and to the general public on September 21. These tickets will be available at the Bryce Jordan Center, the HUB Ticket Booth,Eisenhower Auditorium and Penn State Tickets Downtown.