Hormel Foods Honors Military Veterans with $10,000 Heroes Scholarships
HOSPITALITY
The company awards two students with military backgrounds $10,000 scholarships to pursue careers in culinary arts and foodservice management.
Top: Shawn Ruiz, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, is completing his senior year at American University, majoring in hospitality management with a concentration in foodservice.
Bottom: Shawn Ruiz, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, is completing his senior year at American University, majoring in hospitality management with a concentration in foodservice.
The transition from military service to civilian life often requires courage, determination, and significant investment in new training. Recognizing the invaluable skills and commitment of military veterans,providing essential funding for service members pursuing careers in the dynamic world of foodservice and hospitality.
Each year, the program awards $10,000 scholarships to students with military backgrounds who are seeking post-secondary degrees in the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry. The initiative, administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), underscores Hormel Foods’ deep gratitude for military service and its commitment to fostering new industry talent.
Meet the 2025 Hormel Heroes: Jazmen Wilkerson and Shawn Ruiz
The 2025 scholarship recipients, who join a distinguished group of 15 students who have received a total of $200,000 from the program since its inception, bring decades of military experience and a profound passion for hospitality to their new careers.
Jazmen Wilkerson is a retired and disabled Culinary Specialist First Class who served 11 years in the U.S. Navy. Currently a senior at Morgan State University studying hospitality management, Wilkerson’s vision is focused on innovation within the sector. Upon graduation, she plans to launch an entertainment bus company that merges food, travel, and events, driven by her belief in hospitality’s power to connect people and create lasting memories.
Shawn Ruiz is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, now completing his senior year at American University, majoring in hospitality management with a concentration in foodservice. Ruiz’s long-term goal is to pursue a master's degree in project management and ultimately lead food and beverage operations for a major global hospitality brand. His inspiration also stems from the unique power of hospitality to foster human connection through memorable experiences.
A Privilege to Support Service
Annemarie Vaupel, Vice President of Foodservice Marketing at Hormel Foods, emphasized the significance of the scholarships. “At Hormel Foods, we're honored to support our military service members as they transition into new career paths. These scholarships reflect our deep gratitude for their service and commitment, and we're thrilled to recognize our 2025 recipients, Jazmen Wilkerson and Shawn Ruiz. It's a privilege to support them as they pursue careers in the foodservice industry.”
The scholarships, which range from $2,500 to $10,000, are vital for covering expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Since 1987, the NRAEF has been a major pillar of support for the industry’s future, awarding more than $27 million in scholarships and grants to over 6,300 students.
Through the Hormel Heroes Scholarship program, Hormel Foods is not only investing in the academic success of military veterans but is also ensuring the hospitality industry benefits from the discipline, leadership, and operational excellence these heroes bring to the kitchen and beyond.