Western Michigan University opens new food marketing hub with $500,000 gift from Meijer
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University announced a $500,000 donation today from Meijer to create a hub for the food marketing program, which will benefit food marketing students, faculty and industry partners. The food marketing program uses Experience-Driven Learning to help students grow as professionals, preparing them for a rewarding career in the industry.
“We are proud to support WMU’s food marketing program and invest in the next generation of industry leaders,” says Don Sanderson, chief merchandising and marketing officer at Meijer. “At Meijer, we believe that fostering innovation and experiential learning is vital to a thriving food sector. This new hub will empower students with the skills, experiences and connections they need to shape the future of food retail.”
Located in Schneider Hall, the 2,000 square foot space will be an innovative learning spot in the Haworth College of Business with flexible, collaborative work stations that can be used to host classes or student organization events, with room for over 75 students. The new space also houses technology to advance category management skills and allow host companies to train students on crucial food industry needs. There is also a private room students can use to interview for internships and full-time roles.
“We are deeply grateful to Meijer for their generous commitment to elevating our food marketing program,” says Dr. Russell Zwanka, director of the program. “This partnership not only strengthens our ability to provide hands-on learning, but also equips our students to become agile leaders in the evolving food industry. This new hub represents a shared vision for excellence, preparing our students to meet marketplace challenges and make meaningful contributions after they graduate.”
Western’s food marketing program is known for its comprehensive approach to preparing students for dynamic careers in the food industry. By integrating experience-driven projects into courses, students benefit from real-world exposure and networking opportunities that bridge the gap between campus and career. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to foster leadership, professional development and a spirit of community service, ensuring graduates are well-rounded and ready to excel in varied roles within the food sector.
About Meijer: Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that serves customers at more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets and express locations throughout the Midwest. As the pioneer of the one-stop shopping concept, more than 70,000 Meijer team members work hard to deliver a friendly, seamless in-store and online shopping experience featuring an assortment of fresh foods, high-quality apparel, household essentials, and health and wellness products and services. Meijer is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work and annually donates at least 6 percent of its profit to strengthen its communities. Additional information on the company can be found by visiting newsroom.meijer.com.
About the WMU food marketing program
The WMU food marketing program has a long history of collaborating with industry to deliver win-win solutions. Considered a top food marketing program in the world, the faculty ensures that students get the skills that employers cite as critical so they are career-ready:
- 100% of food marketing graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning while earning their degree.
- 100% of food marketing graduates had instructors who made them excited about learning.
- 100% of food marketing graduates working full time are satisfied with their job.
The program hosts the annual WMU Food Marketing Conference that brings nearly 1,000 professionals and students together to learn about trends in the industry. The new Food Marketing Hub will be an addition that supports an already strong link between companies and the program.
To learn more about the food marketing program, visit the website.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.