Our current academic scholarship program started in 2012. Between 2012 and 2020, our LDEI chapter awarded a total of $36,000 in scholarships to the 13 individuals listed below. For more information about our scholarship program, check out the scholarship application on this website.
2021 Scholar:
Alyson Hornby, Minneapolis, MN. Alyson attends the University of Minnesota in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) Department.
2020 Scholars:
Samantha Maldonado, Crystal, MN. Samantha attended the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) at the University of Minnesota. Sami is a two-time scholarship recipient with an impressive resume that includes interning with Growing North Minneapolis and Spark-Y Youth Action Labs. In February she visited Ecuador for the 4th time. Sami says “My father was raised in Ecuador which led to some Ecuadorian foods to be embedded into my childhood, such as beans, rice, bread, and bananas. While I was in Ecuador it was a comforting feeling to be surrounded by family and eat staples and new foods that reflect my culture.”
Chloe Thomas, Sartell, MN. Chloe studied hospitality and tourism at St. Cloud State University.
2019 Scholars:
Michelle Bascom, Howard Lake, MN. Michelle obtained her culinary degree with highest honors from The Art Institute and a B.S. in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota before entering the Masters Degree program in Nutrition at the University of Minnesota.
Ashley Briones, Minneapolis, MN. With a B.A. degree in Biology, Society and Environment and a minor in Chemistry, along with a culinary arts degree from The Art Institute Ashley continued her studies toward a Masters of Food Science at the University of Minnesota.
Claire Kalenberg, Litchfield, MN. Claire worked on her B.S. degree in Nutrition at the University of Minnesota with a special interest in the biochemistry of food and how, at the molecular level, it can be utilized to create healing in the body.
2018 Scholars:
Emily Pollock, Chaska, MN. We continued our support of Emily who was attending St, Paul Technical College.
Nicole SanFilippo, St. Paul, MN. Nicole attended the culinary program at St Paul College.
2017 Scholars:
Emily Pollock, Chaska, MN. Emily attended St. Paul Technical College.
Courtney Pelissero, Winona, MN. Courtney attended University of St. Thomas with an interest in agriculture and sustainable food practices.
2016 Scholars:
Jennifer Shaffner, Woodbury, MN. Jennifer attended the culinary program at St Paul College with a focus on nutrition.
Jennifer Walz, Plymouth, MN. Jennifer studied biology and environmental studies at the University of St. Thomas.
Ann Hendrickx, New York Mills, MN. Ann received the 2015 Scholar Award and we supported her for another year of her studies at Le Cordon Bleu.
2015 Scholar:
Ann Hendrickx, New York Mills, MN. A recent graduate of New York Mills High School, Ann used her scholarship to attend Le Cordon Bleu.
2014 Scholar:
Michelle Dalton, St Cloud, MN. Michell attended Le Cordon Bleu.
2013 Scholar:
Sara Harned, Coon Rapids, MN. Sara used her scholarship to study pastry arts at Le Cordon Bleu. She had been studying environmental sciences at Principia College in Elsah, IL., but discovered her true passion was in the kitchen.
2012 Scholar:
Kayla Baumler, Hopkins, MN. Kayla graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Minnesota in 2008 with an associate’s degree and used her scholarship to attain her bachelor’s degree at the Art Institutes International Minnesota.