In the fall semester, WMU Haworth announced a $500,000 donation from Meijer to create a hub for the food marketing program, which benefits food marketing students, faculty and industry partners. The food marketing program uses Experience-Driven Learning to help students grow as professionals, preparing them for rewarding careers 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."
The 2,000-square-foot space has already proven to be an innovative learning spot in the college with flexible, collaborative work stations that can be used to host classes or student organization events. The new space, which can accommodate up to 100 students, 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."
We are deeply grateful to Meijer for their generous commitment to elevating our food marketing program.
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.
"The new Food Marketing Hub truly reflects the strength, community and momentum behind our program," says Avery Knoll, president of the Food Marketing Association. "It not only provides a bright, communal space for students, but also elevates how we engage with employers. Hosting our weekly employer nights in the hub has been a game changer. Companies now have access to an environment designed specifically for connecting with students, complete with premier technology. It's especially meaningful when alumni return to campus and experience firsthand the growth of the program."
One of the things Knoll is most excited about is the chance to interest potential students in the food marketing major. "The facility gives students a tangible, inspiring place to experience from the moment they step on campus," she says. "The brand presence from companies like Meijer and other leading food companies throughout the space shows students just how invested the industry is in their success."
Katie Pesola, a fellow food marketing major, could not agree more. "Before the hub, food marketing was a super close community. After the hub opened, everything took off in the best way. We have an amazing, dedicated space that genuinely feels perfect for us. Students can hang out, study, relax and get to know each other in a fun, vibrant space where everyone feels included. The facility has already taken the Food Marketing Association and our program to a whole new level. Even though I only get one semester in it before graduation, I hope everyone keeps using the hub for what it is meant to be: a place to bring students together, host amazing events and build a community of foodies who genuinely love what they do."
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.
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, the faculty ensures that students get the skills that employers cite as critical so they are career-ready:
- 100% of food marketing graduates are working or continuing their education quickly after earning their degree.
- 100% of food marketing graduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning.
- 100% of food marketing graduates felt their education and experiences as a student at WMU prepared them for their profession.
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.