Arcadia awards WMU-KVCC sustainable brewing scholarship

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A student in Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College's joint sustainable brewing program is the first to receive a scholarship in support of women in the industry from Arcadia Brewing Company. Junior Ellie Maddelein of Naperville, Illinois, will receive a $2,000 scholarship for the 2018-19 academic year in recognition of her successful performance in the rigorous sustainable brewing curriculum.

Support for sustainable brewing scholarships is provided by companies and individuals to strengthen the educational ties between WMU, KVCC and the brewing industry. This award is specifically provided by Arcadia, a longtime leader in the West Michigan craft beer community, to further enhance career and learning opportunities for women in brewing.

Arcadia inaugurated the scholarship fund in 2017 as part of its annual Arcadia Ales Classic golf outing. The Kalamazoo company plans to award the scholarship to WMU and KVCC students once again following the 2018 Arcadia Ales Classic. This year's golf outing takes place Monday, Sept. 24, at the Moors Golf Club in Portage.

Maddelein said she chose to pursue a degree in sustainable brewing after visiting a brewery in Oregon with her family. "That experience of seeing the brewery, spending time there and tasting left a positive impression on me," she says. 

"After figuring out I could be a part of this fantastic industry by joining Western's program and that I could do something that really interested me, I knew it was the degree for me. I cannot wait to continue forward in my education and career. Having support like this is very appreciated and motivating." 

Learn more about the WMU-KVCC sustainable brewing program.

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