Three WMU food marketing students earn industry scholarships

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Three Western Michigan University students majoring in food marketing have been awarded scholarships from Grocery Manufacturers' Representatives (GMR) of Grand Rapids. Grace Carlyle of Plainwell, Michigan, Samantha Shaffer of Dearborn, Michigan, and Samantha Steiner of Troy, Michigan, were recognized for their academic excellence and commitment to building careers in the food marketing industry.

The annual scholarships, awarded by the Grand Rapids-based organization of food industry sales professionals, go to students who demonstrate not just strong academic achievement but also active engagement in the industry—from internships and industry conferences to study abroad and leadership roles on campus.

Dr. Russell Zwanka, director of the food marketing program at WMU Haworth, says the recipients stand out for the way they have embraced every opportunity in front of them. "They are highly engaged, value professional interaction and will be strong leaders when they enter the food industry," he says. "Samantha, Grace and Samantha are examples of how you can maximize your time on campus in this program."

Carlyle describes her time in the program as equally transformative, both professionally and personally. Through coursework that covers topics like food marketing analytics and category management and industry conferences, two internships and a stint studying abroad in Ireland, she has built the kind of broad foundation that comes from saying yes to every opportunity. She also spoke at the WMU Food Marketing Conference and participated in the Great Lakes Industry Tour. "The program has introduced me to lifelong friends, mentors and a strong network of people who continue to encourage and support me," she says. Looking ahead, Carlyle says her biggest takeaway from the program applies as much to life as it does to her career. "Every experience is an opportunity to grow."

As a first-generation college student, the scholarship carries added meaning for Shaffer. The vice president of recruitment for the Food Marketing Association (FMA), she has been a connector, helping bring new students into a program. Shaffer heads into her first industry role this summer as an intern at Abbott. "Being part of the food marketing program at WMU Haworth has given me endless networking opportunities, the chance to speak at conferences, and experiences I never imagined I'd have," she says. The program's emphasis on real industry access has shaped her confidence in ways that go beyond the classroom. "Talking to CEOs as a 20-year-old college student is terrifying, but in food marketing that's your average Thursday—and it has helped me grow a ton in confidence and professionalism."

For Steiner, receiving the scholarship carries a personal significance that traces back to her first week on campus. As a first-year student, she attended a GMR of Grand Rapids meeting as a student guest, the same organization now recognizing her as a scholarship recipient. "Going from being a student guest in that room to now being recognized by that same organization is a huge honor," she says. That full-circle moment reflects a college career defined by diving in early and often. After switching her major to food marketing the day she met Zwanka at orientation, Steiner joined the Food Marketing Association, traveled on company visits, studied abroad in Ireland and served on the FMA executive board. She secured an internship with Lipari Foods after her first year and heads to Nashville this summer for an internship with Alliance Retail Group. "WMU isn't just preparing me academically," she says. "It’s giving me the confidence, connections and real-world experience to pursue opportunities I once thought were out of reach."

Learn more about food marketing at WMU Haworth.

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