Les Dames d’Escoffier–Chicago Announces 2013 Scholarship Recipients
The Chicago Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) recently awarded scholarships totaling $22,500 to female students enrolled in professional culinary- and baking/pastry-arts programs throughout greater Chicago.
For more than 30 years, Les Dames d’Escoffier–Chicago has awarded scholarships to women pursuing careers in food, nutrition, wine and hospitality while enrolled full time in certificate- and degree-granting programs in Chicago-area postsecondary institutions. This year, scholarships in amounts of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,250 were granted based on academic performance, dedication to community service and financial need. Additionally, each recipient will be assigned a mentor from the local LDEI chapter to share expertise and guidance.
“Women are a significant force in Chicago’s vibrant culinary and hospitality scenes,” says Judith Dunbar Hines, chair of the 2013 Scholarship Committee of LDEI–Chicago and owner of Judith Dunbar Hines Culinary Services. “Since 1982, our members have lived our philanthropic mission in part by annually distributing scholarships and grants to assist women pursuing their passion. We’re proud, in our 31th year, to continue this grand tradition by recognizing and assisting seven talented students with the potential to become rising stars in the realm of food.”
This year’s Chicago Chapter of LDEI scholarship recipients are:
- Rachel Dau of Glen Ellyn, Ill., a baking & pastry student at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn. $5,000
- Chantiyanna Thigpen of Chicago, a baking & pastry student at Washburne Culinary Institute/Kennedy King College, Chicago. $5,000
- Danielle Welch of Chicago, a culinary-arts student at Kendall College, Chicago. $5,000
- Stephanie Kochanczyk of Franklin Park, Ill., a baking & pastry student at Triton College, River Grove. $2,500
- Myra Viviana Proano of Chicago, a culinary-arts student at Kendall College. $2,500
- Crystal Chui of Chicago, a baking & pastry student at the French Pastry School, Chicago. $1,250.
- Anshaunti Hillery of Chicago, a baking & pastry student at Washburne Culinary Institute/Kennedy King College. $1,250
Scholarship checks are made out to the respective education institutions and may be applied toward any school-based fees, tuition or other expenses directly related to the courses of study of the scholarship recipients.
Awardees for 2013 will were honored at a champagne reception at Kendall College on May 14.
Les Dames d’Escoffier International, based in Louisville, Ky., is a nonprofit philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality. Membership is by invitation only among 28 chapters in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The organization’s namesake, Auguste Escoffier (1846-1935), was the most innovative chef in history and one whose philosophy and accomplishments serve as both model and inspiration to all culinary professionals today. For more info, visit www.ldei.org.