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Hormel Foods Celebrates 2025 Class of Hormel Heroes Scholarship Recipients

Hormel Foods Corporation, a prominent name in the global food industry and a proud member of the Fortune 500, has recently announced the winners of the 2025 Hormel Heroes Scholarships. This generous program awards a total of $10,000 to each recipient, supporting those with military backgrounds who aspire to advance their education in the fields of restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality.

This year, Jazmen Wilkerson and Shawn Ruiz have been honored with these scholarships. Both students come from distinguished military backgrounds, and their stories reflect dedication and passion toward their future careers in the culinary arts. Jazmen, a retired Culinary Specialist First Class from the U.S. Navy, has dedicated over 11 years of service and is now a senior at Morgan State University, pursuing a degree in hospitality management. Her vision includes establishing an innovative entertainment bus company that intertwines food, travel, and events, fueled by her unwavering love for hospitality and the connections it fosters.

On the other hand, Shawn, who served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, is completing his studies at American University, where he is majoring in hospitality management with a focus on foodservice. His aspirations go beyond receiving his undergraduate degree; he plans to pursue a master’s in project management, aiming to eventually oversee food and beverage operations within a prestigious global hospitality brand. For both of these recipients, the drive stemmed from the unique experiences that hospitality offers in creating memorable connections among people.

The Hormel Heroes Scholarship program is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). Since its inception, it has distributed a remarkable total of $200,000, impacting 15 students’ lives with scholarships. Annemarie Vaupel, vice president of Foodservice Marketing at Hormel Foods, emphasized the company's commitment, stating, "At Hormel Foods, we honor our military service members as they transition into new career paths. These scholarships are a reflection of our appreciation for their service and commitment. We are thrilled to recognize our 2025 recipients and support them in their journeys within the foodservice industry."

The NRAEF has been a significant pillar in the educational support landscape, having awarded over $27 million in scholarships and grants since 1987 to more than 6,300 students and foodservice educators. Their initiatives not only fund tuition but also cover essential educational expenses such as books, room, board, and other school-related costs, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.

To learn more about the various scholarships and opportunities, interested individuals can visit ChooseRestaurants.org/scholarships.

Hormel Foods Corporation, headquartered in Austin, Minnesota, boasts annual revenues of approximately $12 billion, and is renowned for its portfolio of beloved brands including PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, and many more. The company is dedicated to not just providing quality food but also fostering community support and demonstrating corporate responsibility. Their purpose, "Inspired People. Inspired Food.", reflects their mission to connect people worldwide through food.

For more details about Hormel Foods and its valued initiatives, please visit hormelfoods.com.