Buffalo Wild Wings recently awarded its inaugural scholarships at the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation (HMEF) Scholarship Luncheon, which recognizes students furthering their education in the hospitality industry. Kiah Fast of Truman, Minnesota, and Joshua Walbolt of Elk River, Minnesota, are the first recipients of the Buffalo Wild Wings Founders Scholarships.
Walbolt is graduating from Elk River High School this spring. He will be attending the Culinary Institute of America in New York this fall. Fast is a home-schooled senior and has completed her Associate in Arts degree at Minnesota West Community College in Worthington. In addition to running a small cheesecake business, Fast will attend Southwest Minnesota State University in the fall.
“We are delighted to recognize these outstanding students,” says Mary Twinem, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Buffalo Wild Wings. “As we continue to grow, Buffalo Wild Wings is on the lookout for talent such as Kiah and Joshua. We’re honored to play a small role in their career in the restaurant and hospitality industry.”
To honor the passion and dedication of its founders and leaders, Buffalo Wild Wings established a scholarship program to carry on their legacy. These scholarships are given in memory of Jim Disbrow, co-founder of Buffalo Wild Wings, and Ken Dahlberg, chairman of the board. Both men had an immense passion for the restaurant industry and devoted their lives to providing others with career opportunities.
The Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation oversees career-building educational programs that promote the hospitality industry to high school students. It provides strong and sustainable scholarship programs for students graduating from the high school programs and who are pursuing careers in the restaurant industry or lodging management.
HMEF highlights the excellent career opportunities within the hospitality industry and demonstrates to key policy makers, legislators, media, educators, and the general public the essential role foodservice and lodging plays in Minnesota's economy.
