Three WMU food marketing students awarded scholarships
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Three Western Michigan University students majoring in food marketing have been awarded scholarships from Grocery Manufacturers’ Representatives (GMR) of Grand Rapids. Avery Knoll, Evan Raches and Layla Wallace were recognized by the organization for their excellence in academics and passion for the food marketing industry.
These students are making their mark on the food marketing program at WMU, serving on the executive board of the Food Marketing Association, obtaining internships and excelling in their classes. Receiving these scholarships not only makes a great financial impact on the students but also affirms the effort they have put into their coursework and pursuing their professional goals.
“Receiving this scholarship means the world to me,” says Knoll. “As someone who is extremely passionate about this industry, I am thrilled to be recognized and rewarded for my contributions to it,” says Knoll. “Having extra support, both financially and professionally, is a reminder to continue working hard.”
Raches and Wallace speak highly of Dr. Russell Zwanka, director of the food marketing program, who has led successful WMU Food Marketing Conferences and encouraged his students through their academic journeys.
Raches says, “Dr. Zwanka’s leadership has created so many opportunities that have shaped my experience—he’s been a constant source of encouragement, always pushing me and fellow students to students to grow, stay curious and aim higher. Having someone so invested in my success has made all the difference in my academic journey.”
Wallace shares a similar sentiment. “Dr. Zwanka has an incredible vision and has helped me enhance my skills and be fully prepared for the real world. His dedication to students’ success goes beyond teaching; he genuinely cares about our personal and professional development.”
Zwanka celebrates the hard work and success of these students. “I’m so proud of these three students and how they represent our food marketing program at WMU. They have all worked extremely hard and this scholarship represents their excellence. I look forward to seeing how their careers progress as I know they will be leaders in the food marketing industry.”
Meet the Recipients
Avery Knoll is a junior from Frankenmuth, Michigan. She is a member of the Food Marketing Association, where she serves as the vice president of marketing and will serve as the president beginning in the fall. Knoll has attended over ten food and consumer packaged goods conferences and spoken on the Progressive Grocer podcast. She also attended the Food Marketing Industry Tour and participated in the Food Marketing in Ireland study abroad trip. In addition, she plans to study abroad in Thailand this May. In 2024, she interned at Advantage Solutions as a brand management intern and currently works at WK Kellogg Co as a wholesale account analyst. She will be joining Meijer this summer as a merchandising intern.
Evan Raches is a junior from St. Joseph, Michigan. He is a member of the Food Marketing Association where he has been on the executive board for the past five semesters and currently serves as the executive vice president. He has attended the Food Marketing Industry Tour, participated in the Food Marketing in Ireland study abroad trip, and traveled to over five industry conferences including Expo West, National Grocers Association Executive Conference and Private Label Manufacturers Association trade show. Raches is currently working as a commercial strategy intern for WK Kellogg Co. He is a member of the Lee Honors College and has been named to the dean’s list every semester.
Layla Wallace is a sophomore from Portage, Michigan. She is a member of the Food Marketing Association and WMU’s track and field team. She participated in the Food Marketing in Ireland study abroad trip to further expand her knowledge and network. In addition to her studies, Wallace is the proud owner of Layla's Cool Pops, a business she has been successfully operating since 2015. Her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills shine through this venture.
Learn more about food marketing at WMU.
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